someplace to go, a poem for my dad

She leads the somber parade
in a veil of greasy, black tendrils
Her nails match the darkened mane
hiding much more than the face within.

Hopefully, this will be another day
when no one will notice
The me inside, dying
to claim mere acceptance.


I can’t even believe I have the ability
to cast a shadow
Does the earth really need
to remind me that I exist?


The last long sleeved shirt in my closet
when did my life become so cliché?
Regardless, if there’s not one for tomorrow
I simply won’t go.


With great effort, I remain veiled
through the morning monotony
If they look at me,
they’ll regret it.


I’m fairly certain I’ll
never say anything
But, I come unveiled for
him only.


He sees me.

I wonder if he knew that
Poe was my favorite.
He offers optimism;
I’ll take it!


Why is he here, I wonder?
Why does he stay among
utter chaos?

He’s dressed too nicely to
entreat this miscreant mass.
Yet, it seems to not faze
him at all

These hoodlums would certainly be remiss
with his absence.


Sometimes you don’t realize
your own need
A saving grace amongst
a haven of vile weeds.

You gave us someplace to go.
There are lots of us.


We are silent.

We are weird.

You are our friend.


We can’t say thank you
because it would make us vulnerable.
We can’t show affection
because we fear rejection.


You see us. That’s a start.

Maybe I can make it one more day.