You are not special. You think I made you my world, but my world is built with words and dreams, and I’m not dreaming about you anymore. Surely this was to be expected after years of swimming in your toxic waters; there should be no surprise. I dreamt you had the face of an angel, the ass of David, and a heart soft enough to feel safe inside. But these dreams turned out to be wishes, there is a difference, and either way, they never come true.

Today’s poetry prompt words were: not what anyone expected, swimming, and David… Read the rest

When you leave we don’t say goodbye anymore. I don’t pause to put down my coffee and stand to get one last hug and kiss from you, I don’t tell you I love you, I don’t walk you to the door so I can shut it quietly behind you. Later, I’m cold as ice and turn my head from you, I don’t want to look at you, especially as we decorate the tree with things you dragged from the basement without me asking. This was going to be our first real Christmas in our home, and now it’s going to … Read the rest

I almost got what I wanted could be the story of my life. A Mitsubishi Eclipse in 2001. A job that would have had me moving to New Orleans in 2003. An abortion in 2005. A lifetime with you. We were at the edge of forever, dancing around it like we do in the kitchen now, orbiting each other so we never touch. Every time you make a dinner I don’t deserve, I walk in there with hunger and walk out feeling like I left my heart behind. 

Today’s poetry prompt words were: I almost got what I wanted, at … Read the rest

Maybe they were right all along, and there was never any reason to have hope for us. Why should we think our magic stardust love will conquer the universe? It won’t. Out of billions we found each other, but why? Why, when the toxic waters run deep and swift and you’re tearing out my heart again like the dentist pulling teeth without warning? Here’s what I know: I will leave your life and not look back, and both of us will soldier on. I’ll find the love I’m looking for, and eventually you won’t even get my name right in … Read the rest

i want a whole new life,
everything but this.
if you put it all
under the microscope
you wouldn’t see life
you’d see death.
there’s no use for
a risk assessment.
the gambles have
all been bet and
the house already won.

Today’s poetry prompt words were: everything but this, under the microscope, and risk assessment.

_{Image by Simon Maage}