Don't worry
about those who
talk about you
behind your back


they're behind you
for a
reason

I saw a moment so pure
That it was beyond words
The deer sitting in a group

One stands
On the brown field

A light breeze
A late afternoon
On the field
South of the monastery

I will return there
I love spending time in nature

I admire the life of the wandering monk
I will usually greet fellow hikers with a friendly hello
Money is of no concern

I enjoy the simple life
Content to live at home
Content to lie against the log
Underneath the oak trees

My therapist she said my poems were beautiful
But she left me

It wasn't her fault
Her husband's company moved and so she
Had to leave her practice

A shame really
To spend sacred time together

Her smile
Her laugh
Now only memories

Don't think
Don't think about her Matt
Or the good times you had

You will only cry

It's okay
It's okay

I feel good
I don't need a companion like her
I have the oak trees and the birds

My friend at the gym
Had a shirt that says, "We are for the birds"
I am for them too

I can enjoy their company
And they will not leave me
Like people do

Foot tapping
Hand shaking
Mind racing
Walls breaking
Strength taking
Nail biting
Head throbbing
Knees clattering
Life shattering

*Leave me,
Anxiety!

the gentle showers
bring soft and quiet hours
and water flowers

sleep, I need you dearly
                                  why
                    ­            do
                          you
                   hold
            back
      from
me?
my eyes are sluggish and
          
             I am overbearingly weary
                                                   why
                                                 do
                                           you
                                     hide
                             away
                    from
             me?
             oh, how can you not see me
                            
                          in this pale haze, I'm dreary
                                                          ­         why
                                                             ­    do
                                                          you
  ­                                                   lie
                                          awake
           ­                         with
                            me?
   ­                      you drown me, I am dying...