Short Unexceptional Poems

Chin thrust forward, held in right hand
    pleasant sweep of hair graces unexceptional forehead

  Thoughts percolate, bubble lightly, retreat
    mouth scrunched up into grudging position...

Read More

Just because I am unexceptional-

Does make me innocent. 

The influence of trauma-

Is what allows me to gather the past that is forever altered. 

As my disability comes into full bloom-

They feel threatened. 

Even though I try to tell them I don’t want their help. 

I only want them to let me survive in loneliness. 

Soon, the voices feel less like threats.

And more like a dreary embrace....

Read More

Best case scenario -
my fame walking into the future,
all my failed handiworks
recognized as avant garde – well before their time.
Honor and distinction heaped-up posthumously.
An unexceptional life
discovered to have been really ‘sui generis’
uncommonly so.
Applause echoing through the ages.

Most likely outcome –
a contrived eulogy,
slightly embarrassed onlookers
searching for right words.
Shrugs....

Read More