Shun the version of yourself
That matches expectations —
Ask yourself instead
Which hated parts of me
Deserve more love?

Empty
Vacant drawers,
Stacks of boxes
By the door.
Thoughts and feelings
Tied to things
That once belonged,
But nevermore.

Why do we call it
A treasonous heart,
When it's the mind that
Sprouts the reasons?

Words condescending,
Angry words that hurt.
Fear flares like
A dashboard light
Screaming for my full attention,
And I —
Lacking meaning,
Lacking context,
Lacking reason —
Panic.
Something I don't recognize
Ain't right.

Countless shades of imperfection,
Shaped into a perfect you.
I'll be yours, if you will have me,
Just remember —
I'm imperfect too.

Counting minutes,
Seconds, breaths,
New beginnings,
Starting fresh.
Hope horizon,
Sea of love —
Breach the darkness,
Rise above. ❤️

Tidings
Of goodbyes
And new beginnings,
Resolutions, plans, and wishes —
May we all find
What we seek,
And may it be
What we need.

Mental touch and
Whispered kisses,
Closeness over
Wires and distance —
Intimacy,
Even worlds apart.
Love builds bridges.

Number games don't interest me,
But there are milestones, anniversaries
You can't pass by
Without at least
Acknowledging
The amazing road thus far.

Five years, 2,000 #vsspoem prompts.
Thank you for taking part.

I see your eyes
Downcast,
But it is in your head,
Not in mine.
Oh,  sweetheart,
Don't you know?
Men can't guess —
At least, as it turns out,
Not very well,
And nowhere near in time.

Trust me. I know better,
Textbook, by the letter.
Bare your soul
And pay my fee —
I will tell you how to live
The proper way.
Like me.

Mend this broken heart of mine,
Love, attention, conversation —
Coming closer,
Spending time.

Cold,
Wired world.
Through the dark
Sparks of light traverse
Glass-spun webs —
Mind to mind,
Crossing space,
Spanning time,
Bridging thoughts
With love and hope.

Good or lean,
The times still call
For songs of joy,
For sparks of cheer —
Celebrate the little things
With those still here.

Come to me,
Oh, come to me,
Oh, eager storm,
Oh, angry sea.
Come break yourselves
Upon my shores.
Oh, come to me,
And set me free.

Strands of me
In knots and ties,
Stretched to feel
Superior feelings —
Twisted, ragged, frayed,
Near breaking,
Nowhere near the stranger
Who I wished to be.

Charcoal hands on
Shrouds of azure,
Clawing at the
Veil of worlds —
Desperation, reaching
With final strength
At end of turn.

Polish every memory,
However stained,
However painful —
You may still find joy
Beneath the tragic.

Those who fear blood
Often follow
The killers among us.

In a daze,
Sedated, free of will —
Dutifully we take our fix
That mutes the pain
And eats away
Our meager days
Left to live.