Half a Hermit Speaks (Again)

I almost worry that I've been too quickly smitten

By eyes that well watched the world's story written,

By the charitable heart that lies below that sour face,

By creating a problem in my life that I didn't create.

I want you to ask if I always fall for someone older.

I want to tell you that I fall for beauty, when I get bolder.

I hope I can help you find the companion you're looking for

In another,

Because we are never, ever, ever

Moving in together.

Half a Hermit on the Seductiveness of Solitude

It's not that I go out of my way not to talk to you.

It's not that I don't want to talk today.

It's not that I don't want to talk again.

It's not your fault that I'm an extraterrestrial,

Perpetually unable to agree

On anything that humans actually believe.

I'm just overly attracted to a life

Where hours don't turn into the assembly line

At an outrage factory.

Who's not with me?!

My Entire Existence Is Up Here, Buddy!

I know how shuffling evolved from walking,

How people-watching turns into shoe-watching.

I know how hoping turns to hiding,

Or ambition into self-confiding.

I know how mem'ries turn to shame.

I, too, have sought unused parts of my name

As a symbol of self to dispose of, erase.

Let's meet each other where we live—behind a face.

The Truth in Two Lies

I see the smile behind the doubts.

You gave me a chance, and I figured it out,

Had this honor, discov'ring who you'll be someday.

I'm thrilled, though you'll leave me behind on the way.

On the way back, you can always find me.

I haven't got anywhere better to be.

I see the truth and the lie in your smile,

Too kind for contempt when not mixed with denial.

Your grin bears and bares it. When you greet, you grieve

For a time, 'til for better things you, too, shall leave.

Until then, you and I are bound here to remain.

I've no better choices, and you have no say.

The Advice I Wish They'd Give You at Graduation

I wish I could go back and tell you

What you meant to the people you knew.

I wish I could go back and tell you

That I've lived parts of what you've been through.

I wish I could go back and tell you

That everyone and everything they taught you—said—

Will never be enough,

That you must teach yourself to be enough.

I wish I could go back and tell you—

Show you—that it can be done.

I wish I could go back and tell you

That our times were the best of my life,

But I can't.

I wish I could go back and tell you,

But I no longer wish I could go back.

Wisdom from the Top of a Filing Cabinet

I believe ballplayers move like symphony song.
This smile will name no hunger under home sky.
She is hurting my thirsty heart.
Water grows you up.
Rhythm filling me—
Need to fly.

Buy Some Land! Buy Some Land!...

A dealer who goes by Ill Kenny,

Whose rims cost him a beautiful penny,

Parked his customized Caddy

Near an ambitious laddy.

Where he had rims, he hasn't got any.