The Enabler’s Lament

If I should ever stand, it is to
Quick back-over bend.
I say I’m fine, but bear the
marks of torture-from-a-friend.

I want to be courageous, but
I melt like snow in May.
I pray to yet be faithful, then
I fade into the fray.

There is no me, no wall, no tree
To climb above the harm.
There is no time when I will
Reach to shut off the alarm.

This god that I still fashion is
A chain of paper dolls.
This love that I imagine
Holds my hand to let me fall.

Three Words Get Stuck

Three words get stuck in the parking lot
when I’m standing there with you at
the end of the night. I call up
the courage gods, but cannot hold your gaze.

They arrive to have a laugh, not to
lend a hand. I nod my head and blink while
an antenna points at the stars, frowns
at me from behind your shoulder.

I resend the message—Cannot execute!
Someone! Send a dash of spice, a pinch of
salty courage action!—while earthbound
compliments drop from my lips, unseasoned.

I will unlock my full flavor and let you
relish my delicious passion. You’d like
a little nibble of my heartfelt treat…And
then again, I may just fumble for my keys.

I reach for car door, for words that will
have to do. Awkward silence breaks: unsavory
sounds formed with the mouth. My heart
races, but won’t budge from that parking space.