wordsandthoughtspjs

It takes courage to stand up for myself — I have learned the habit of backing down.

It takes courage to believe in who I am
when self-doubt
speaks louder than my name.

It takes courage to trust another soul;
I remember being let down.

It takes courage to look at the world as it is — so much broken, so much undone.

It takes courage to hold on to hope,
when certainty is gone,
when answers don’t come.

And still, I choose it.
Because hope even though
it’s fragile. It’s enough.

Remembering Fidel — 
your name repeated in the streets. 

Your step belongs to neither night nor dawn, 
caught in the hour that won’t decide. 

Your mouth hangs open, 
your voice a low growl, 
thickening in alley corners. 

Your time. Your alliances. 

Now you sit with your cigar, 
Whisps of grey smoke spiraling, 
clouding your eyes. 

I didn’t see you watching, 

but wanting is loud. 

That lovely little smile— 

all silk and chaos. 

So easy to read. 

You mistake being seen for being special.

The naked heart of the cactus stands

alone beneath the sun’s tenacity. 

Still, the river of life illuminates you — 

through winter, you are spring.

into the clear air…

dipping-flying toward the light

finches in the sun

Listen to the silence shift,

you can hear nostalgia:

the acceptance,

the mourning,

the crying,

with favor and fervor

that lends itself to

this attitude,

with spiritual stature.

In a land of mystery

already brutalized by its condition,

in another time.

The broken black rose,

All my feelings left exposed,

Tears, sadness, nighttime.

My soul

saw the blackness

of his heart.

Time was copper-colored

and dead,

in our moments.