Poem: On Swings and Old Relationships

The swings creak on rusty chains
In the summer Virginia humidity
Kicking our legs between blue sky
Then green grass worn to dirt
We laugh talking about nothing
And everything all at once so often

Poem: Ballad for the Unattainable

She’s like the sun
High in midday skies
She makes my skin sweat
And sets my soul to sighs

And like the sun
She remains always
Out of my reach even as I
Pursue her across days

Short Story: Fool for Love

Marching on the stage with a tumble and bow, springing to his feet with a smile, Taddeo revels in their cheers.

At least that’s the image he wants to sell to the gathered court. He sings for his supper and his hijinks keep him alive. No one in the crowd recognizes the previously wealthy business man Tonio behind the caked on make-up.

A merchant of the town, selling fine fabrics and rich silks, that royalty from the world around came to see. Each one he addressed with respect and professional distance until he met her—Princess Nedda.

Speechless, he bowed to her and kissed her hand even knowing it was forbidden. Even knowing the prince’s jealousy of his beautiful wife.

Poem: Untouchable

Man my head is fucked up
It holds all the infinite possibilities
While sitting in this present moment
With everything I could ever want
Where I am always wanting more

I see her walk into the room
Knowing she is not noticing me
The same way I’m noticing her
Each step she takes is meaningful
But I mean nothing to her