Poetry

Asymptote

"57/365 - Fallen Layers" © Ahmed Hashim, 2012. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
57/365 – Fallen Layers” © Ahmed Hashim, 2012. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
“So. Many. Layers.”
I wrestle off my ski coat, fleece-lined sweatshirt, and down-filled vest.
The shape of my body finally makes an appearance.

Move the pillows, sit down, and pull my feet underneath me.

“We’re like Russian nesting dolls this time of year, aren’t we?”

It’s the same every time I’m here.
He lights a tea candle,
I settle myself and take a drink of water
out of my Klean Kanteen.
Pause. Deep breath.
“How’ve you been?”

“Good,” he says, smiles at me,
but does not return the question.
Just waits.

Therapy. Continue reading →

Poetry

NOLA

"Cypress Mystery" © Peter Barker, 2011. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Cypress Mystery” © Peter Barker, 2011. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Lars rolled down the window of his truck
Proffered me a cigarette
I sighed heavy, shook my head
Took it
Coughed hard
It’d been three months

“Pull up over here, man.
If I’m smoking on this trip
I need a pack of Newports.”

“When did you start smoking
menthols?”
Lips peeled back in disgust Continue reading →

Mental Health

Shiver

"Empty" © Josh James, 2011. CC BY 2.0.
Empty” © Josh James, 2011. CC BY 2.0.
It can be hard to get up again. Tough to get going. All worn down, but still rough around the edges. I can never tell if I can blame the cold, the long weekend, hormones, medication, caffeine consumption, or 5K races. Never tell if there is any sense in blaming.

Two hours to get two feet on the floor. Another hour before I even start to think about eating. Trying to decide how I can get out of the commitments I’ve made today. Continue reading →