morals

you've got your v-neck
and your pointed shoes
walking around with that
who the fuck is better than

you look and you look and you
cross your arms.
it doesn't matter what they're saying
if it doesn't matter to you.

you say i've got a ring around my collar,
i want to put a ring around your neck.
you've got a foot above the rest,
i'll put a foot between your teeth.
you've got a handle on your boy
and you best be glad
my father taught me well
or i'd get a handle on you.

you've got a card up your sleeve,
trumping all their hands.
if he's got a queen, you've got the ace.
you think you're king but
i keep my cards in my pocket
call my bluff, call my bluff.
when all the cards are on the table,
we'll see who plays the joker
and walks away folded.

the greatest thing
my father ever taught me
was to keep my mouth shut.
and closed it stays, teeth clenched.
but i warn you now and i warn you always,
my morals wont last forever.

on time and strength.

we took the time
and stopped it in
it's endless ticking.
our own calendar
of meaning between
the squares and
numbered days.

and now, it seems
the time is mine
to pass and wait
until it lingers again
with your hand in mine.
eyes locked,
the ticking stops
and i can breathe again,
see again, be again.

i want to paint your
tears an ocean
to sail away on.
waves of strength
to stay afloat on,
winds of change
and moving on
and holding you up
until your nights are
clear and the stars
point you home.

taller does not equal stronger.

i wont wear shoes
that make me taller
than i am.
feet planted firmly
on the ground
i am stronger that way.
stronger than your words
and the way you try
to knock me down.

i'd rather the grass between my toes
than my nose in the dirt.
i wont stay where you put me,
i wont stay at all.
even though your eyes tell a story
of love and lies and
everything i clinged to.
and even though your voice
still stirs me and you can
still make your kisses
taste so sweet.
i know who you are
and who you made me
and how you broke me.

i wont wear shoes that
make me taller than i am.
my feet are flat on the ground
and they're ready
to walk away.