Between Asphyxiation and a Life-giving Breath

Some days are the darkest,

most twisted and unfriendly

of forests spawning barriers

between asphyxiation and a life-

giving breath. Others

(the ones we cherish and turn

into blood-food), those days

gleam through bare branches

in winter, singing

home a promise

of brighter springs,

singing

home a promise

of brighter springs.

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 for Poets and Storytellers United (Writers’ Pantry #24: Mr. Frodo, I Do Understand)

Self-Discipline in the Face of Selective Ignorance

She says, “I envy the way you feel only what you want, the way the world never boils in the inside of your bones. It must be liberating not to need to rage aloud.”

And I just watch her… and wonder, how many decibels of self-involvement does it take to grow deaf enough to unhear the growls of self-discipline that constantly remind me not to snap in the face of selective ignorance?

“Really,” her tongue goes on and on, brain still on mute, “you’re so lucky.”

“Yes,” I say, taking a few breaths, reminding myself who I am and why I am, “I am lucky.” In my head, I add, Lack of luck would’ve left the skin of my knuckles on your teeth. And who needs that sort of filth in their hands?

Perhaps finally sensing the mood feeding my tone, she smiles an unsure smile. And I hope a little.

photo by Geran de Klerk, on Unsplash

for Poets and Storytellers United (Writers’ Pantry #23: Growing Along with Our Words and Weekly Scribblings #22: It Takes a Bit of Discipline )