poetry

blank blue

blank blue

clear sky
makes for dull sunset

no brooding clouds to split the light
or struggle through a rainbow of hues
on their way to spent grey
no roiling mist glowing at upper tips
while the base darkens with rain

the blank blue stares back
unblinking
no tumultuous storm to reflect upon
no thunderbolts to dodge

poetry

Swamp Monster Ballad

Swamp Monster Ballad

when that rain it starts a-drummin’
you’ll know he’s drawin’ near
and that moss green giant monster
‘ll make you quake with fear

his long legs they’ll start a-pumpin’
and his nylon it’ll flap
and the sound of his cavortin’
‘ll send ya racin’ to yer Pap

through shaking fingers ‘gainst yer eyes
you may dare to peek
at this wet and wild wonder
who never seems to speak

no, his frenzied dance is silent
splashing’s the only sign
of this disco-dancin’ boogie-man
who rises from the mine

oh he lives down deep amongst the dark
of Kentucky Boy’s steep shaft
and comes above to jig about
when he hears the thunder crack

‘specially in a new moon storm
or so I’ve heard it said
and ev’ry month when that orb wanes
my heart it fills with dread

for if his damp hand claws for your’n
and gets it in his grasp
you’re doomed to waltz away yer days
in his cold ‘n’ clammy clasp

so when you see that lightnin’ flash
or hear the thunder boom
best scoot inside as quick as ya can or
puddle-dancin’ ‘ll be yer doom

poetry

younger brother

younger brother

I hate pink
he says
and I start to cluck my tongue
at the gender norm straitjacket
because
he continues
my sister hates it
and everything shifts