A Year

Think of all the things that can happen in a year. 365 days. Think of all the laughter and the tears and the smiles that can fill these weeks. Life is too short, they say, whoever they are. When we're young we want to be old, when we're old we want to be young. No one is ever satisfied with where they are in life. But me, I'm satisfied. I can look ahead and I can look behind and be alright with where I am.
It's been a wonderful year.

Flowers

As soon as flowers are clipped and given to someone special, they start to die. Are we selfish for enjoying the flower's slow demise or are we giving it a purpose near the end of its days?
We all want to have a purpose in life. Sometimes it really can be as simple as making someone smile.

Resolutions

I'll eat better this year. Exercise more. Speak less and instead open up my ears. I'll spend less money on things I don't need. Keep my apartment clean and do the dishes at least every couple of days. Find someone who loves me. Get a job I enjoy. Start saving. Keep in touch with old friends.

These are old resolutions for an old year. This year, I just want to be me.

New Paint

The houses in this neighbourhood are pale and their paint is perfect and smooth. The sidewalks are not cracked yet.
I sit on a wooden bench under a recently planted tree.
In twenty years this place will look like the place I grew up, worn and broken and rusty.
New paint only lasts so long.

I went for a walk one day - down my street, like I always do, but instead of turning left, I went right.
It's amazing how one small decision can impact your life.

Destiny

Long ago, Destiny was responsible for all life’s joy, pain, and sorrow. Everything that happened in our lives was decided by Her, and She took care to ensure that our lives were worth living.
When you were born, Destiny consulted the stars and plotted a path for you. The first steps you would take, whom you would love, and even when you would die was decided by Her before you opened your eyes for the very first time.
Nature’s course ran perpetually, making Her people believe that they were creating their own fate.
But She was always watching.

Midnight Train

One night I boarded that midnight train to anywhere that Journey sang about. It was empty and lonely and cold. It didn't reek of promise and I didn't feel inspired. I could see my own reflection in the window. We rode through the dark countryside with no real destination, just the train and I.

I may be lost, but I won't stop believing.

Wednesdays

Wednesdays are like stepping out of a warm shower.
That instant of first feeling icy tiles beneath bare feet. The shock of air that drags me from comfortable to cold in a split second. All I want is turn the hot water back on and bask in the heat for a little while longer. Shut myself in my own oblivious bubble for just a few more minutes.
I'm always doing fine until I step out of the shower. Step out of my comfort zone and onto the unforgiving, brutal reality of a cold bathroom floor.
Wednesday is the day you left.

The Heart

I held my heart in my hands. I watched the blood cake beneath my fingernails and meander in trails down my forearms. The valves tightened and pulsed with every beat. It flaked away like crimson sand. I let it run carelessly between my fingers.

The Job

Is this what I want?
Turn the pages of my resume over in my hand.
Nervous.
Pace the hall in uncomfortable shoes.
Click click click click.
Look at unfamiliar surroundings.
I don't belong here.
I don’t belong in these clothes.
This office.
Is this what I want?
Yes.
Maybe.
No.
Not at all.
I am a writer.
I am not a member of the rat race.
Apologize: sorry, this is not for me.
Turn around and leave.
Click click click click.

Books

The library was filled to the rafters with shelves lined with books – original publishings, autographed copies, and novels that had long been forgotten by the public.
He settled in the armchair in front of the fireplace, placing a warm mug of tea on the table. The rug beneath him tickled his feet as he opened the chosen tome.
Where had he left off?
Oh yes, right... here.
His experienced eyes ran eagerly over the softly aged pages.
The world around him evaporated like the steam from his tea.

Bonfire Night

The air is acrid. Sky on fire. Boom. Fireworks burst and we "ooh" and "aah" as if we have never seen such a display before.

A child carrying a guy. Lifeless. Legs dangling over his shoulders. Red embers rain towards the ground. Fizzle. The boy's face lights up. He has never seen such a display before.

His parents come. Scolding. Why did you go so far away? His mother takes the boy's little hand. The finale. Whistle. Pop. Sizzle. Dad is unsteady. One too many. Car doors slam. They will never see such a display again.

Halloween Haikus

Halloween happens
once a year. Pretend to be
someone else awhile.

Blood drips from her fangs
Pale, sickly, bold veins, red eyes.
She doesn't need makeup.

So sick of candy!
Stomach aches, head hurts, throat dry...
Maybe just one more.