Haikus | 12

You chose Brooklyn bridge
Like I choose you as my bridge
You're my #andwhysea

Things I Never Felt

The flutters of the heart
like butterfly wings in flight
traveling from one bloom to the next
stopping momentarily
to savor each second
whispering gently I am blessed

The longings of the heart
like the waves on the constant coastline
coming in to hug the edge of the land
with a rush
as I move to high tide
exclaiming giddily I love you

The aches of the heart
like the sting of a most vicious wasp
its venom wavering in and out
as shame spreads
when I've let you down
screaming emptily I am sorry

These are the things I never felt
until I was with you

Haikus | 5

Hand and hand in mine
Your warmth, dreams, our memories
Always in my mind

The Haiku

Say, what's in a name?
Identifying as mine
My mind is on you

A Haiku

Unexpected smile
Second chance, an adventure
I think I like you

Walk

Wouldn't you like
to feel the Earth
beneath you
r feet?

Wouldn't you like
to feel the Wind
breathe
around you?

Wouldn't you like
to feel the flowers
sing
their sweet saccharine melody?

Wouldn't you like
to walk

with me?

Sanguine

She carries herself

with strength and solitude

She hungers for his voice

and longs for his presence

She knows him

as steadfast despite rejection

as steady even amidst pain

She smiles

when she speaks of him

She surrenders

when she sings of him

She sustains

when she stands by him

She told him

I am listening

She asked him 

Why can't I hear you

She thought to herself

for a quick second

Maybe he doesn't speak to me

in a quicker second

She felt him

His hands in hers

warming her

enveloping her

reassuring her

She heard him 

Say

That thought is from the enemy

She listens and she learns

for she trusts

in her Father

God 

Lamentations 3:18-23

Nightmares under the Nightsky

I tried to back away, farther and farther, but it was no use. The overwhelming sounds grew louder and louder, drew nearer and nearer, until all I could think about was the loud crash that would sound when the great noise caught up to me to seal my imminent fate. And I gave up, a cry of fear, but I wasn’t even sure if I had made a sound at all, for there was no silence to break, only deafening noises that drowned out everything I had learned to say.
             And when I couldn’t speak, and when I thought I could no longer hear, a voice broke the chaos. Not a whisper, like mine, but a voice that was strong, reverberating, and articulate. And He said, “Child, wake up. Your nightmares are only as strong as your spirit is weak. My son already died to rescue you from the thief who wants to steal, kill, and destroy your heart, but I have already taken up your heart to give you life, and I will protect you from harm. You, young and beautiful one, are now flawless in my eyes. You are the crown of my creation and I just want to love and protect you, if only you will allow me. Fear no more, child. One day you will be reunited with me for eternity.”
             I opened my eyes and saw above me a blanket of stars, created by my Father. And below me the surface of the boat, and under that, an expanse of swaying water, created by my Father. And for the first time, I cried, tears of joy, that flowed into the sea. And the surface of the sea gently caught every shining star in its reflection, like a mirror of my Father’s beautiful love.

Written for www.writersnotfighters.tumblr.com

When Everything Falls In Place

I once heard of a 20-year old Mayan man who was born deaf, never aware that there was such a thing as language. He lived his whole life in a murky daze, thinking that the movements people made with their mouths was some kind of alien way of communication they'd made. That day he realized the concept of language, that he'd lived nearly two decades in vain, he was moved, moved to tears.
            His story is the essence of life change. The way I imagine the man felt is the way I feel. Something that I thought made sense, I now realize was only a small piece of the truth. And now, the sun seems brighter. The songs seem livelier. And the smiles are happier.
            If only I'd known earlier, I think. But now that I know, this is the best feeling ever. And I'm glad I'm feeling it.

Coming Home

One year and five months ago, I lived in a cave. I could perform basic skills like math and obtaining food. But like a robot, I lacked any signs of liveliness.

I wandered the halls, avoiding eye contact with anyone else. Everyone passed by, even the friends, for I had mastered the art of blending in. For me, there was no point in interaction, no reason to be happy.

Three syllables was what it took: Want to dance? It was sweet while it lasted, but the next days were excruciatingly awkward. Though all I wished for was friendship, I reverted back to antisocial Joyce, and played the avoiding game. I might’ve broken a part of his heart unintentionally, yet that night he had mended mine. Surprisingly, I was more confused than I had ever been before. Luckily, I had the whole summer to think it over.

Three months of sunshine, and the layers of unnecessary fortification around my heart slowly undid itself. My mouth learned how to emit laughter and my lips to curve upward. I watched myself make others laugh and spewed out words of encouragement. I overflowed happiness and nothing could control it – I was finally coming home.

written May 22, 2010 for a House on Mango Street assignment for the subject of coming home