
Herbie,
my comfort hamster
moonlights
as a sleep consultant.
He provides
unprompted advice
on optimal sleep posture
on resting breathing patterns
and on the benefits
of counting heartbeats
instead of sheep.

Herbie,
my comfort hamster
moonlights
as a sleep consultant.
He provides
unprompted advice
on optimal sleep posture
on resting breathing patterns
and on the benefits
of counting heartbeats
instead of sheep.
My words sat patiently–craving attention.
In a realm where the Eye gazes far, the Ear listens softly, and the Hand crafts tirelessly, discord arises among the body’s parts. It’s the Gut, with grumbly wisdom, that reminds them of their indispensable unity and the strength found in their diversity.
Tick tock Tick tock Time’s a-wastin’ What job would I do (ooh ooh ooh) Just for one day? (Just one day) It’s just one day (right?) I wanna be captain of a pirate ship Sailin’ the ocean I wanna be a captain on a big ‘ole ship I do… I do…I do Standing firm and…
From my soles. Through tissue and nerve. Whispering “I’m a survivor.”
Tone affirms attitude. Choose words wisely as you approach your desired destination.
That’s when I break the unspoken rule all seventh-grade boys try to follow. All of the nicknames, the rumors and the jokes are no longer content to remain buried inside me. They force their way out, first in salty drips from the corners of my eyes. More drips follow until the heftier copper-tainted rage forces it’s way through my left nostril and drips to on my whimpering lips.