what it's like.

it's like when you're with someone.
and you love them.
and respect them.
deeply.

and you appreciate everything they've helped you become.

and you know you're a better person because of them.

and you'll always care for them.

and want them in your life.
in some way.
or another.

but.
you know that you're going in different directions.
and want different things.

and as much as it breaks your heart.
it's time.
you must move on.

and hold that time together close to you.
wrapped up.
placed in a small box.
to look back on always.

with happiness.

don't beat your children. or they'll end up like me.

a captive audience.

he talked of corner stores in the middle of the street.
and advised...
a good way to tell that you're in a bad neighborhood is you'll see a lot of churches.
i don't know why it is.
but it is.

starting something.

i had his poster on my wall.
i collected his trading cards.
i spun his album on that little blue record player.

and now.
today.

i'm cranking it up. in my tiny studio. in the city.
and breaking it down.

moonwalking and singing to his best songs.

i. fall. to pieces.

sometimes i feel like a jigsaw puzzle.
crooked pieces locking into place.
forming memories.
transforming me.

and when a piece comes loose.
i feel weak.
desperate to hang on.
to keep everything whole.

almost..
not realizing that the memory will remain.
even if the person or place doesn't.

that the bittersweet.
can just be sweet.

on spring street

a man saying to a woman. . .

i like to make love.
i like to chill.
i like to have fun.

what a feelin'

tonight.

i danced like a maniac.

and keep your hands to yourself

walking home.

and a stranger walks by. and hollers. "hey baby! i like your ass!"

then smacks it.

this is completely. never. okay.

if i hadn't been so stunned. by that violation.

i would've slugged him. or killed him. or something.