All I have are words

All I have
are words

…and 
a laptop
loaded with
the latest software
and high-speed Internet

…and 
a 50 inch 
high definition
LED screen
connected to
the most popular
streaming services

…and 
a four-wheel-drive
sports utility vehicle
with heated
steering wheel and seats
satellite radio
and anti-lock brakes

…and
a three-bedroom rambler
with solar panels
central air
and a two-car garage

Objects age
and need repair
pass on to others
or get discarded
when I am gone
all that will remain
of me 
are my words

Marathon Mind

I’m struggling
To reach the tape
Lungs and legs burn
How did I get
So out of shape?
I’m struggling
Lungs and legs burn
The effects of old age
I can’t escape
Life’s poor choices 
Carry heavy weight
Lungs and legs burn
I’m so out of shape
How did I get
So out of shape?
Life’s poor choices
I’m struggling
But I welcome
Miles to go
Before
I reach the tape

Rough Draft

Life is 
a rough draft
in constant revision

every day 

we add pages
cross out
erase 
or delete
words 

replace them 
with better
nouns
or verbs
that more accurately 
shape 

our evolving
perspective

Goodbye, New Friend

I can’t 
Believe
It’s time
To say
Goodbye

We just met
Three days
Now
My flame for you
Burns fierce

Like the peppery
Punch
Of local dishes
Your zesty spirit
Has me craving for more

Yet, I must go
Rebound
To a life
Of contracts
And compulsions

I don’t know if we will
See each other again
But you are now
A permanent part 
Of my soul