'74 New Moon

'74 New Moon, 560 square foot prison

Living? on the other side – on the inside

Avocado green cell

Permanent stains on linoleum

Broken screen door

     illusions of escape

Children playing, nightmares screaming

     hope     Despair

          absolution     Pain

               futures         Empty lies

     to myself

Midnight dreams

silent screams

dim light through curtains sullied

     tears

     time 

Control grasped with finger tips in the darkness

     cut     burn     bruise

          razor tells the story

          lighter claims the failure

          iron punctuates the claim

Jailer and convict, one and the same

Self punishment for failure

Life sentence in an avocado green cell

Hidden from View

In the house

In the trailer

In the cabin

In the motel

On the long ride home,

Hidden from view

     He lost his job.

Hidden from view

     Single mom struggles.

Hidden from view

     The diagnosis is grim.

Hidden from view

     Alcohol to cope.

Hidden from view

     Couch surfing.

Hidden from view

     Silent cries in the night.

Hidden from view

     He touched her years ago.

Hidden from view

     She mourns the loss of her One.

Hidden from view

     Blankets of depression.

Hidden from view

     Cancer pain erupts.

Hidden from view

     Collection calls unanswered.

Hidden from view

     Their son is gay.

Hidden from view

     Faithfulness dies.

Hidden from view

     Hope flickers dim.

Hidden from view,

A lead for a job
Better daycare
Hopeful treatment
Beginning to say no
A room to rent
Consolation
Strength to trust
Grief moves along

Glimmer of hope
Suffering ends
Acceptance and understanding
Vows renewed
Promise of a sunrise.