Friday, October 11, 2013

Slowed by Trauma

when I was young
I was transparent
dodging what I could
submitting to the undodgeable

I predicted the family future
at the age of 5
but was afraid to grasp
my own salvation

aging finds me grasping
and regretting
regretting and grasping
learning who inhabits this body

I'm still an amateur
but don't underestimate
my ability to offend
or be offended
And
wondering when
I'll be fully grown

~kjm 2013

Friday, February 1, 2013

Compassion

Where is your compassion?

Do you only take it out of your pocket

To show to friends

To parade at parties

Or is it always on your sleeve


Not to be seen so much as to be felt

Slid across your cheek

To remind that you too have a vulnerable self


Who needs compassion?

Those cutting words you utter in private

Leave shadows across your face

A crick in your neck

A hitch in your step

And when you are aged

You will be asking,

Where is your compassion?

~KGM '14