She hides in plain sightA hint of melancholy on her faceOnce happy and free She is now lost in the prison she's made in her mindWalls she has built with steel and stoneShe makes jokes and laughsInside she is dyingHer pain betrayed by a painted on smileShame, pride, and humiliation in disguise"She dresses like a whore," she wanted it more"She went there alone," she deserved what was done"Why did she stay quiet?" You must k...

In 1986 when I was 23, my parents divorced and my mother, brother, sister and I moved to the city of Fontana which was about 30 miles from where I grew up. We were really struggling just to keep the lights on in those days, so I began to work full time at a Jack in the Box, about five miles from our home.  I couldn't afford a car, so I had to walk to and from work, along two roads that were all but deserted.  The one I to...

It's quiet, is somebody there?Is anyone beneath my stairs? Snow is fallingWinter is hereIs that St. NicholasThat I hear? A Little elf invadesMy homeMay perhaps  He's just a gnome? He creeps aroundWhile I'm asleepIf he givesWhat does he keep? Nothing is evergiven freeI wonder whatThe trade must be? He gives me giftsAnd I give backA covertunderground attack Who is this in thevelvet suit?That has the bagWhich has the loot He...