experiment five.

intrigue.

it's the initial attraction,

the first sign

that you're onto something big.

amazement.

mind so hidden and veiled

can create shakes

that make the richter

quiver.

scratched and unbalanced

it seems too still

for the great movement of

the tide pulling you closer.

amazement.

i never thought it'd be you

and i'm intrigued.

you are cordially invited to the hennepin suites

sitting on dorm beds 

we crisscross our legs like kids on the reading rug.

let's reminisce about drunk brides and place our faith in the future

we've never doubted will be there.

we're glowing in the warmth that shared dreams bring

and feel like something magical is growing here

in the space between our single presents and married futures.

i'm in no rush

and i know that when i'm that drunk bride

you'll be there to make sure pictures are taken.

dear valentine

it's contagious.

summer oh-nine

brushing against crisp grass

and feeling the oppressive heat of a closed car

i'm grimacing in a picture that was never taken two years ago.

a bored expression and feigned apathy 

kills the forced enthusiasm of those preparing to kick me out

but still keep me close.

i hope when i look back on today

i find even more worth in it than i do now.

interview

i love you, jonathan 

even though my father warned to never trust a man 

with two first names.

i wonder if you add an "h" to your nickname when you introduce yourself,

shaking hands comfortably.

your neckline is more u than v-shaped and i see its curve gently draping your shoulders

thin and solid, reminding me of a friend's fingers;

nimble and capable.

you'll probably leave here today and head back to illinois

greeting your history department wife

or your graphic designer boyfriend

for a thick paper cup of caramel coffee,

smiling like a wildfire.

in new york though

i'm stirring a pot of sauce.

you'll roll up your sleeves to wash the strainer while we discuss the plight of tom and betty 

and how we'll never have to suffer like them.

at least we hope for that much.

later, we'll wrap scarves around our u-shaped necks and walk down our cramped block

marveling at the mulberry colored steps

and how we never have a planned destination.

i'm awake and for now that's enough.

i've never dreamed this big.

this sounds like bursts of light

flashing

running out my kitchen door

and slicing my soles on chipped patio.

folding up hopes and tucking them behind medicine chests

detracts from the present;

remember that at some point

you wished for now.

what came first

the fountain or the penny wish?

what does it sound like when you find complete perfection

in the tangles that made western expansion possible?

imperialism is within our nature.

i'll leave this page blank for your records.

experiment four.

i would write about this

but it doesn't exist.

in philosophy class i read about computers.

choice vs. freedom

program vs. destiny

but

simplicity vs. complexity

got caught

in the iron grip of my changing irises.

we are the only ones to understand simplicty.

in that regard

overwhelmed doesn't exist.

this was a practice round.

i'd say that you make me overwhelmed

but that would discredit

how complete you make me feel.

i have too much hope for this.

heavy forehead and quick tongued

wanting to fight for nothing.