a barely-teenager says

“i feel free”

in the bliss of the beach and blue swim trunks

an octopus kite keeps me company

a dear friend looks at shells across the way

were together, but separate


to love is a gift

but to miss is pain i know too well

but now i have the courage

to love the ones i do

despite it all


there’s a little neighborhood i go to in my dreams

a fantasy of loved ones

block by block by block

walking by i greet each one

i kiss each person

on the cheek

on the forehead

share a dance

have an

inconsequential flirt

hold each other close

till the last of the wine

has gone and so has

the sun


who am i without

love

who am i without

the tenderness of

a chilled red

and a big warm sky

shared with those who live

in the big little neighborhood

i go to in my dreams


in my little neighborhood

in my dreams

love is love is love is love is love

and it’s all we have

september 2, 2024