rainy morning
I snuggle deeper
into the abyss

cold sticky goo
on my swollen belly
baby’s first picture

watching me cry
old tears
she sneaks a cigarette

midnight in the country
snow brushes across the road
I should go home

wilted plant . . .
neglected
a slow death

dark, smoky bar
enjoying drinks
with the girls

reading of the will
more people
than at the funeral

the wedding is over
island bound together
sipping pina coladas

small country church
a boy snores
as the choir sings

dark hair scattered
across corse white
Sh---sh---sh

most comfortable spot
rocks crunched under wheels
arms warm around me

football field
he seems so small
mom can’t look

Indian summer’s mask
two fishermen
find her

shiny scissors
mother smoothes out the wrinkles
making the first cut

flower girl
rainy day
mud puddle

shaking a finger
over piles of blankets
whispered secrets

blowing snow
a single snowflake
melts on my windshield

dumb, fat, lazy . . .
I look in the mirror
believing his lies

in her nursery
sweet baby’s breath
morning glory

summer night
my eyes open
endless love

Illini hat in back seat
picture on steering wheel . . .
alone

changing leaves
laughter
a mother’s voice

hot Sunday morning
on hard wooden pews
mother’s stern look

toe the edge
sharp drop
dive

blinds raised
holding my diapered newborn
in the sunlight

soft whispers replay
many lonely winter nights
staring at a frame

mischievous breeze chasing
wispy clouds
. . . thinking of him

puddle of vomit
black eyes
turning 21

soup can
on the floor
my damn dog

mourning on swing sets
back and forth, back and forth
watch the peeling paint

after morning Mass
sharing the playground
ashes on our foreheads

in the front seat
should she say no
just fifteen

all day
under autumn trees
best friends

horror movie
with him
covering up

a closed door
I pause to listen . . .
she weeps inside

Hebrew words of love
on my right foot
first tattoo