One Piece

Imagine an awkward puzzle piece
with impossible and inexplicable edges
finally finding another puzzle piece
that mirrors those strange edges
where they can snuggle deep
into each others lines.
It’s as though you could melt them
together and they would resemble
a complete puzzle piece that can find
its place in a larger picture.

that thing

Stolen behind curtains
yet I find no sleeves
my arms are bare
the tickle of the cold
threatens to overtake me
but the warmth  is still there

Ribcage about to break open
much like a tiny clam
holding something
more precious than ever known
and wanting to show what’s inside  —
to show where it’s standing

That perfect moment
when truth and desire combine
to create something
so beautiful, so painful —
when Something so utterly transcendent
happens between you and me

Mueve

Bodies shaking
In rapid motion
Fluidity in human form

The strong beats
Merengue, cumbia
Hip hop, cha cha
Reggae and salsa
All unique yet alike

So let’s move it

Still Christmas

There’s no snow here
The sun’s still bright
Cold penetrates everything
And yet it’s still the same

Small flurries come by
Landing on eyelashes and cheeks
While people rush past buying
too distracted to place any blame

Love and charity abound
Stores open at all hours
Trees decorated all evergreen
All because of the birth of a babe

Never Been

I don’t understand
when Mom says she used to want
to join the circus. The circus
never comes by our town.
I’ve never seen one.
Mom says there’s a lesson
learned by staying put
but I still don’t know
what she’s talking about. She brings this up
whenever I say I want to
wear a dress. No one has ever
taken me to the circus… only photos
come to mind of elephants
standing on two legs, of men
donned in vibrant colors, of lovely ladies
who sparkle in the spotlight, and a mime.
Always a mime.
Unicycles galore, white amidst lions
roars, but tigers scare me
and tents seem unstable.
Why would anyone
want to join the circus?
But I will tell my mom that if
I can sparkle, I will
stay. If not, then I will go
join the circus
like she says.