untitled

A shell within a shell within a shell
if you find him on a lonely beach
do not tell
anyone
that you found a shell within a shell within a shell
If you peel him
hoping to reveal him
uncovering a pearl
Will you feel him
trying to conceal him
with another whorl?
A boy within a boy within a man
if you found him in your plans
do not tell
anyone
that you found a boy within the boy within the man,
they will not understand.

If you hurt him
grind him up
desert him
he will curl and cry
If you hold him
snatch him up
and love him
he will fade and die.

A question mark curled within the word
if you answered
you ask, has he heard
but questions are shells like chalk and grit
he left without a word.

B., R. & C.

I am lamenting them before they have lived
The black sash, the slow walk, the downcast eyes.

I am bringing them gold.
Laughter.
And plastic things.
I am calling it the life they will lead.

I am telling you about my soul
I don't have language
I am telling you about an empty vessel

I am telling you about hopes, dreams
and nothing substantial
I am telling you about having and holding.

I am lamenting them before they have lived
I do not know how to free them

I am lamenting them before they have lived
I do not know how to be with them.