Untitled. At least for now.

I don't remember waking
   only a hand on my breast
           on my cheek, lips pressed in soft praise

I don't remember stirring
   only close-held caresses
          an enveloping warmth, a restive embrace

I don't remember speaking
    only grasping and writhing,
        Punctuating promises unvoiced as they rise

I don't remember burning
    only blistering ascension,
       a scalding fulfillment of gently stoked fire

I don't remember falling
   only gentle strength pulling
          a weight at my center, a core healed and whole
 
This comforting cauldron
    of affection, desire
As need and my wanting soul,
    wanton, conspire

I don't remember waking
   only drifting and dreaming
     by night, a rebirth of softly sought hope
         

 - PMM, Aug/Sept 2016

_________________________________________________________________________________

This piece is ...  not polished.  But in keeping with my efforts to just let some things go, I'm going to call it good for now and move on to other things.

Shall I Applaud Again?

Original version:

Shall I applaud again?
Everyone is wonderful, it's true
It's also given
I don't know you, nor do I know
your work
your contribution
your soul
your place among us here
but I know mine
I'm to appreciate
to fill every void with applause
the white noise of gratitude
for service rendered, anticipated
or imagined
It's praise as social lubricant
or as event pacing
a metronome of indifferent adoration
Do, by all means, continue
or stop
our response will not vary a jot.
I'm sure you'll be delightful
or were already.
Now I've forgotten
Were you presenter, performer, host, or producer?
pianist, percussionist, whichever performer?
benefactor, bankroller, or broken bodied roadie?
Or do we clap for them too?
I can no longer tell.
Well whatever,
Thank You
Well Done.
I've clapped, now
Who's next?

- Mine Aug, 2016


So I feel like this piece requires an explanation.   I went to a lovely poetry event over the summer.   The setting was gorgeous, my company was charming, Juan Philipe Herrera (current US Poet Laureate) was speaking and reading, the weather was not awful, the musicians that carried the interlude were fantastic.  There was *so* much to enjoy and enjoy it, I did.

BUT

Before the actual presentations began, the introductions had to be endured.  Person after person stood to introduce the next person to stand and introduce the next presenter who would introduce...   it was endless - and each went through a list of people to thank for their considerable contributions in making things come together.  They, of course, did not coordinate their lists, so the venue was thanked at least 6 times.  And the performers, for deigning to attend.  And the advertisers, for advertising.  Or occasionally a local 'celebrity' turning up was enough to merit gratitude.  On all our parts.  Apparently.  Repeatedly.  It was ridiculous - very nearly farcical, oh, if only it had bubbled into farcical...  Alas.  I've never experienced such a thing outside of a fundraiser and, well, you expect it there. It's why I usually just mail a check.

In any case, I managed to hold on to both sanity and decorum without making a scene because I was raised properly. And because I'd had the foresight to pack a notepad and pen. 

Thoughts of the Morning.

To categorize people by some trait, and then use that labeling to dismiss them, is profoundly dangerous.
To use that labeling to demonize those people,
As a justification to despise people,
That way lies madness.

We know that madness - we don't need to conjecture where that path leads.  There are dozens of examples - on every continent, in every time.   And everyone is hurt by it.

To consciously choose such a path is a failure of morality and intellect.
We must not accept so little from ourselves as a society.

Please don't accept so little of yourself.
Don't sell your humanity for the illusion of safety.
Don't cannibalize your neighbors for a false coin of security.

For make no mistake, this is a kind of social cannibalism.   And, this behavior may be a natural human tendency but no matter.  Much like we have to train small children not to bite, we must train ourselves to stop lashing out at groups who prove convenient scapegoats.

Stop blaming 'them' for failures of leadership, of foresight, or even just for poor outcomes.
There is no 'them' - the premise is a lie.
A convenient, self-absolving lie.
Be stronger than that.
Be better than that.

The truth is that life is hard.
Shit happens.
Taking advantage of others is wrong.
Blaming others as much as possible is weakness of character.
A free and open society will only ever be as safe as its individual members are willing to make it.
And it cannot be free and open if it's not tolerant, patient, and rational.
Tolerance, patience, and rationality require training.  And effort.  And occasional reminders.
And it's worth it.

To recap:
Categorization of people: troubling.
Demonization of people: v.v. bad, society-ending bad.
Taking responsibility - both personally and as a society - good.
Life is hard, but we're worth it.
You're worth it.

Deep Breath.
Now go! Take on the day.

Lessons Lost

Body, betrayer,
Delicious deceiver,
Taunting, sweet temptress,
Your Mistress denied

In sensuous surrender,
You forgot to remember
Health, reason, and sanity,
All Wisdom defied

- Mine.  Aug. 2016

Commençons

C'est la vie
C'est la mort
C'est la guerre
C'est l'amour