flip side

"There are 3 masks: the one we think we are, the one we really are, and the one we have in common. Neutral mask is the one we really are, the one that allows us to take off all the other masks. Neutral is holding the centre - moving with grace, dignity, power, and direction. …

hope falls

no morning sun rose in me this day no birdsong lifted my spirits   they were present as always but hope was not   not for the wanting though i want to hope i hope to hope again i want to see a way i want to break from this grip of dark but it …

i scream

i want to kiss goosebumps into being   licking your cold                       tingling                        curves   i want to melt your soft sweet form   send ripples into               …

diction (nary used) : for sale

Welcome to The Imaginary Garden! Opinion is a flitting thing, But Truth, outlasts the Sun - If then we cannot own them both - Possess the oldest one -       -- Emily Dickinson   i, dedicated resignation (work hard at giving no fucks) ii, re-invigorated consternation ( appear to give fucks but really, see …

(s)elf portrait

Tuesday platform at Toads. Kerry is in da house. Without further ado, I extend the invitation for today's platform: WRITE::LINK::SHARE scratch that clear undisturbed surface   where the buddha smiles   it boils beneath   spitting hot coals at the joyful for just   being   rips asunder the fabric of self   to reveal …

unmade

There is one rule for The Tuesday Platform: Share Share a poem with us. Share some time reading poems this week. Share your thoughts when moved to do so. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have been traveling and so missing in action. The action is good and full. Writing seems less necessary...life itself is enough...but tonight there is a …

caterpillar soup

exhale all hope push it out birth the death of you   fall back backwards in one last act of trust   into the embrace of the abyss sink now into sweet release   inevitable darkness falls like rain   an eternal shadow not just blocking but eliminating the light   here in this shroud …

2b or 2c?

Happy First Tuesday in May, Dear Toads! And welcome to The Tuesday Platform, your unprompted, free-range day of the week here in the Garden. Tuesday rules are so simple: Share and share alike, i.e. share your poem, read the poems of others, and share your thoughts. Maybe you are feeling worn out from Poetry Month. …

Flower Essence

Real Toads Tuesday Platform Greetings to friends, poets and story-tellers! So many awards ceremonies have been hosted this year, culminating with the Academy Awards last Sunday and it got me thinking about the enduring role of storytellers in society. As poets, we are a part of the oral and written tradition, adding our voices to …