Always Five

Kicking rocks
bare feet on the cobble stone street
racing cars in envy of the speed
chasing childhood collections
broomsticks left only to the woods
she was my only
leaving her to mud piles, growing mushrooms
silence until the latest strength of vinyl
grows up against the wind

Holding us in

I could always stand up straight
coyly smirking at the length
of an undeveloped neophyte frame
Peaches and stitches and butterfly dreams
wearing patches for my glasses
only a scar drips molasses
something always so sweet and unseen
she was me in the way only reflections can be

Already withering

Always bare feet
edges breaking and bloody
smearing over with Vitamin E
left open for the whole of them to see
Making it from one room to a haven
only a stranger could believe
Red velvet for a gathering
butter soup and card board trees
gather the wrapping, smear on the lipstick
tomorrow there will be something to eat
we dine on fantasy food

Like children often do.

Kelly Curiel
February 28, 2008