smooth superiority
rusts in a steaming haze
bloats
until it explodes
Tag: poems
Observation of a Man in a Diner
He walks into the diner, alone, but he looks around.
Blue flannel and jeans, stringy brown hair, all 1990’s.
He sits in a booth by himself
Pushes his silverware out of the way,
And covers his eyes with his finger tips for a time
— Perhaps as respite,
Perhaps meditative.
His right leg bounces, dirty jeans,
Dirty under the nails, dirty tennis shoes.
He has ordered a coffee and a mimosa, but I can’t help think he is too young.
He feels a little better once he gets his food.
His leg stops shaking.
He smiles at a girl passing by, who doesn’t notice him.
“Diner Observation #1” by Vanessa Cate
Artwork: The Undone by Charles Wilkins
Resist Energy: Lust
that touch of yours is as
dangerous as
I’d expected.
— timid hands begging to be held,
stroked,
loved
in a lightless room where
no one
can hear our thoughts and
my weakness is concealed.
And I know that when I do
press your gentle palm against my own for the first time
I will feel too much to think at all.
about infidelity-
about identity-
about selfishness–
and I will have to swallow
that dripping desire
that I try to
ignore
“Restraint” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: Self-reflection by Jenn Mann & Flux by Sarah Cannon
Alone in Arms
ankles rest in wrists
below knocked about knees
limbs weave
in
around
in
seeking sanctuary
alongside
lukewarm skin
Alone Again, Naturally
A green eye nestled between faceless,
slate
stones
sits-
as lonely as a mountain.
Beaten, stained,
and abused
by the wandering wind,
it
crumbles into sand
that rests
beneath the heaviness of the ocean.
I am a rock.
“Along the Ocean Floor” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: Thief of the Sun by Tijani Djindjic
Maybe, like alchemy
there are different ways to concoct a love.
Recipes (Mix one or more, and let simmer – longer for more flavor):
– A brief encounter with a person of beauty, whom you cannot have.
– A friendship that roots like oak, bearing understanding and acceptance.
– Exceptional physical chemistry which dares to maintain despite all else, and which excites curiosity.
– Respect that is reciprocated.
– A requited longing.
– Laughter that grows, not diminishes.
– Mutual goals and complimentary talents, resulting in a smart partnership.
– An adhering to a set of ideals which render love and commitment the only option.
– A drug you find in each other.
– Gratitude so deep you would give all of yourself to repay, but it isn’t enough.
– Being overpowered – for once – and liking it.
– A taste for something you cannot get elsewhere
“Maybe, like alchemy” by Vanessa Cate
Artwork: htrspltn by Filmout
Forget Forever
sticky lids give way
no match for the stupid strength
of curious children
eager to consume colors
the colors
which they were promised would swirl
swoop
slow to a still
but unwise eyes shut as quickly as they open
sick from
leaking fat pinks
blubberous boiling blues
seeking to settle back
into beds they remembered to be warm
to forget forever that raging storm
“Forget Forever” by Meaghan Merrifield
Thoughts on Blonde
What is it about
fair blonde hair
that makes me feel less nervous?
Whether it be warm and gooey
like honey
or pale
and soft like
lemonfeathers,
it always baths my mind in
calm.
So-
just before
the daylight dies
–just before the dawn of dreams
I wish for a woman
with locks of light
to make my night as warm as
tea.
” I wish for a Woman” by Angie Hoover-Hillhouse
Artwork: Emotional Ups and Downs & Fogpak #3 by Filmout
The Show Tell Project 