This story contains mature themes* * *The California Board of Education meeting once again ran late into the night. The stale air became stifling in the August evening, as the air conditioning units had been shut down over an hour ago. Tempers started to flare, as discussions had become as hot as the California sunshine. Arguments were heard and heard again with no end in sight. "Look," said the chairman flatly, "we have...

Promises Ya know, those things you make just to break? The things that people hold onto when all else is gone The things made so easily, and broken easier If you only knew the things you’ve said The things you do, the things you hear They can change people, and end up changing those promises And send someone plummeting to their doom You said you would be here for me forever That you’d never leave me Where are you now, the...

There's something I've forgotten;I'm not sure what it could be.Still, it can't be that important,Or it would come to me.There's something nagging sometimes, though,I wonder what it was...A thing? A time? Appointment missed?A Must? A Just Because?Was it maybe Ought To Do?Or maybe Do This Now?Forgotten Thingy, what is it?It's lost (I don't know how).If I return to where I wasWhen last I thought of it,Maybe I'd know? Where w...

She stepped back and admired her handiwork. The painting had taken her months to complete. Someone in her grieving group had suggested she go back to painting after her husband died, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. She hadn’t painted in years, rarely finding the time after the kids were born. Now that she was alone again, she certainly had plenty of time. Time, the thing that seems so precious to some, and now...

Would you believe me? Would you believe me if I said, Young me-- oh so very young me, Loved you? You were my closest friend, All of elementary school, Helped me with fears of heights And the shit that was gym, Though you probably don't remember any of that. Do you? If you do, You should tell me, Or should have, Too late, now, for that. Middle school was living hell, you know? You weren't there!  Friends are supposed to be...

You remember the phone calls, All those late nights, (for you, not me) I wrote all those poems, You, all those comments. It wasn't a long relationship, Not by adult standards, We lasted a year, long distance, coast to coast, Washington to Virginia, But it felt like forever-- No, not the first few months, That was Heaven, I was so giggly and happiness bubbled, But reality hit And when reality hits, it hits hard, We lasted...

Sometimes I look and I see people ‘In a relationship’, ‘married’, ‘betrothed’ and I wonder, will I ever be any of those?It’s unlikely that I’d be married or betrothed, in the sense of Christianity, me being a... Spiritualist? Witch? Um, I actually don’t know which religion I am. I tend to follow whichever set of beliefs ring true with me. I suppose you could call me a ‘free spirit’, or something of that ilk, but I’m just...

I have entered so many contests, And I’m starting to wonder why, Just sitting here thinking about it, Makes me want to cry. I always try to do my best, To make my words compelling, I make sure not to use text speak, And I even check my spelling. But it seems that whatever I do, My words just get neglected, And though I start with high hopes, I always end up feeling rejected. I wish I knew the judge’s address, Or at least...

Once again it’s that time of year, When political banter seems the rage. When otherwise normal people, Try to come off as some worldly sage. I have friends who are really nice folks, Any other time of the year. But, once they start with the political rants, I really don’t want them near. Of course, their views are always right, How could it be any other way? And you too could be right like them, If you just listen to what...

Every day in the summer People flock to The swimming hole To hang out with family And friends. All of the kids Populate the area And have fun. Jumping off the tire swing And diving into the pond Laughing and telling jokes Until one day A kid got hurt And another one drowned. The swimming hole Got shut down, Depriving the children Of a summer At the legendary Swimming hole.

Note: This was written for the print anthology mentioned above, released April, 2012 on Inner Child Press... When I first saw this sub call I have to admit I was a bit reluctant to contribute, I thought there was a bit too much controversy surrounding the situation at the time, though I believe justice was served in the end...and I tend to avoid controversy, btw... Anyway, I chose to write about the indisputable facts...t...

It seems that lately I can’t get no peace, From all those so-called Grammar Police,Who for some reason think that I should care,The difference between there, they’re and their.They want to analyze everything I say,Just waiting for me to lie when I want to lay,And I really think they just do it because,They want to further some petty cause.So, what I do is I mess with there head,I write the word red when I really mean read...

NOTE: This was a contest entry for the World Healing, World Peace 2012 poetry contest sponsored by Inner Child Press...it made the Top 30 btw, and is included in the recently released print anthology...I Had A Dream...  I had a dream just the other night, That people would no longer fight, No more wars to be lost or won, That everyone could live as one. I had a dream just the other day, Of streets where kids could safely...

Note: This was written for a print compilation recently released on Inner Child Press in time for Poetry Month April, 2012...see the poetry section of the forum for more details... I Want My Poetry…To be far more than just a rhyme,An idle way to pass the time,As you take in my words like a drink,I want my words to make you think,To make you examine your very soul,And help you reach that ultimate goal,I want my words to in...

Some loves may come your way,And captivate your mind,And some loves may touch your heart,With words so sweet and kind.But, your love has touched me deeper,More than you'll ever know,More than merely capturing my heart,You're etched upon my soul.A love that will forever burn,Like an eternal flame,And long after we both are gone,Our love will always remain.For our love is eternal,Forever, come what may,A love that can't be...