I ask
You say
                              “I’m not sure”
Like the moment
Before it snows
Or nights spent
Searching for Venus
Without clarity
Through naked eyes

You knew she lay secluded
In a room unused
But still said
                                "I’m not sure”

There she wore a pendant
Engraved   “keep out” in braille
I didn’t feel it
We never touched
Venus dims
You won’t speak
Words from within
I ask
You say
                                “Are you sure”

Through
the
looking
glass

on the sands of a shore
to
a
common park
an
African heart
views
global
art

We
fathom the winds
stave
the
tempest
that
stokes the grave

from
a lions roar
to
a humble dove
speak in tongues
none have heard
turning
sound
to
God's word

living
in straits
of
life above
Valhalla
here
the
gift of  love
.

can i not bore into my temple
and remove the bitterest parts
of myself when they scream?

am i forced to witness their decaying
motions as they spoil and rot
every good thing I feel?

i say no, because i am worth more
than unspoken disdain, disgust,
unpleasantry.

fingertips to burdened lips,
I unsilence them and free the raindrop
words that ache to revive the good
behind the hurt.

paintbrush smattered in an ugly
hue of purely human creation,
no divinity in its intent, portrays
an image of a me that doesn't like me.

but it washes off in realization
that water is love is truth.
and that truth, beyond me
and in me, is good.

Lawrence Hall
[email protected]  
https://hellopoetry.com/lawrence-hall/
poeticdrivel.blogspot.com

                    Texas, Our Texas, All Hail the Secret State

            "The Biden administration is not being transparent…”

                                     -Governor Greg Abbot

Governor Abbot so loves his Texas folk
That he orders state troopers to keep them away
He surrounds himself with a security cloak
And with his good ol’ boys, the ones who pay

God forbid that the people who voted for him
Should forget their place, and dare to approach
The corporate hangar guarded against them
And risk his Praetorians’ stern reproach

Even the press is locked out, alone and lonely –

             The government of Texas is for Members Only

Just be open and honest, transparency is a way forward.
Ego, lies, deception, mind games are just a thing of the past.

Carry your heart on your sleeve, one should express all, how they feel. People might hurt in the beginning but as the time goes by you tend to connect with only like minded people, likely with the one with an open mind and crystal clear heart. Someone who wouldn't be scared to reciprocate the honesty, selflessness, love, respect and trust.

This is the way to filter the odd ones out of your life, its a litmus test
Those who are wiling to be by your side through think and thin, the most difficult times until the end regardless of your past, are the only one's who deserves a  fair chance, rest all are just a waste of time.

Remember, if you don't ask you don't get what you need, don't assume others would know what you want, as not many are good at reading minds and hearts.