We are officially broadening the categories that measure talent
Having a musical ear is crafting a playlist based on a single feeling
Being a historian is knowing everything there is to know about your favorite sci-fi series
Being a cinematic genius is putting together videos in your bedroom with perfect lighting and transitions
Being a fashionista is composing a trendsetting outfit from the thrift store with the 15 bucks your mom gave you
Being a poet is texting her at 2 AM after spending days finding the right words to express how you feel
The past favors tradition while the future favors you

The tree bears that fickle fruit;
slouched figures swaying in the midnight wind
like its leaves above the garden.

Ripe and sweet to the core;
never satisfied, and wanting more
as the sordid souls ignore
the elements beyond the door.

Hellfire ignites
and sandy scripture lies upon the bay,
like plastic bits of dogma
with infected red resin in its tray.
Rotting fingers of snakeskin
grasp at survival throughout the day.
Make the apple last
in cardboard crematories, they pray
the temptations of Eden away.

it’s raining and there are four people
huddled in the living room under
a tin roof, and the rain droplets
pound down like our hearts,
thudding loudly, this friday afternoon

there isn’t enough room for a fireplace
and i think it’s growing colder with each
breath i shudder to take, but i like to
imagine that if all the broken pieces of
our hearts could be fitted together into one
a spark might, in the dark, ignite
enough to keep us warm for just tonight

If I was a friend to myself,
I'd tell me "come over"
and I'd lean out my shoulder.

If I was a friend to myself,
I'd have tissues in both hands
and I'd be kind and understand.

If I was a friend to myself,
I'd take my side for a change
and I'd create a safe haven
where my demons couldn't hang.

But I tell myself I am a failure
for getting so down,
comparisons fill my mind up with sound
I'd never be this tough on anyone else,
So why is it okay to spew
this endless hate to myself?

If I was a friend to myself,
I'd suggest we take a walk
and let the fresh air restore
what we had lost.

No dreams,
No new trends,
No jewellery,
No pressure,
Just to die peacefully with sweet memories and my children beside me.
7/5/2021