scrolling. scrolling.

the loop keeps

getting shorter

closing in

closing

in

no closer

to the finish line.

“why did I come here?”

I forget

to ask myself

anymore, ever- ywhere I

go

I‘m robbed of

my biometeric ID

by dozens of cameras

streaming, storing

uploading to

A cloud or

on a server somewhere

with a roof,

and four walls,

air conditioning

and private security.

While people die outside and

there’s no hiding

The calamity or

the mundane

And the addiction

to crack -ed screen

protectors

And tragedy.

Scrolling into controversy

Like surfers paddle til they catch a wave

And beauty surrounds us

And ugliness engulfs our whims

Where death is entertainment

or a plot device to get rid of the most inconvenient character

Or maybe a bus load of them.

“that’s a shame” we say

but

We gripe if their doom lacks our preferred amount of suspense

or knows no scapegoat

No villain

needed to pursue

For endless

instant gratification.

I want to put it down but

Never

Seem to unfix my

pupils fixed to pixels

to pay rent

to buy bread

and gasoline

to determine the quickest route to Grandma’s house

despite traffic

Always traffic

And smog so thick we’re all smoking

Carbon monoxide

My cigarettes filter that shit though

and nobody gets out of here alive.

I’ve heard about butterflies, but there are spiders in my stomach.

I tried home remedies to exterminate,

Now I’m sick

And high.

It’s that rush of too much chocolate,

And coffee and t.v.

And that first drag off a cigarette,

After a big meal, cooked with soul.

Once it was a beach fire,

A warm, bright beacon,

secure in its ring.

But in a moment of divergent gaze,

It breached its pit,

Morphed into a fierce inferno,

And made ashes out of my beautiful world.

The ripping flames rolled over me,

I was blinded.

My skin was burnt, scarred.

Alone

I stood and I shivered.

Love was gone,

And the air froze in my lungs.

As my world burned, I squinted against the brilliant light, my nostrils crinkling from the stench of roasting flesh. Without prejudice, the inferno incinerated everyone I had grown to love, resent or despise. My cracked lips contorted into a smile and I thought to myself “It’s a good thing I’m fireproof.”

@LEBass

It’s the perfect time to rise.

Peanut butter seats reclinin’

On my mind.

Fame and fortune desired.

All I need is you so baby I’m fine.

Haven’t stopped dreaming bout your eyes.

Gave ourselves the chance to do this right.

Take our time and last all night,

Babe I’m yours and you are mine.

Feeling’ so high I’m flyin’.

I hope this lasts forever,

It’s the perfect time.

Who can lie?

Love’s fucking crazy!

One minute it’s perfect,

Next minute we hate it.

How can you bring out my worst,

And my best?

My triggers pull your triggers,

I go insane - act a mess.

I have heartache and pain,

from our disconnect.

Seems like just yesterday,

I was kissing your neck.

In a solitary cell,

I prayed for you.

Dreamed you’d be tossed in by the CO,

And I’d have my way with you.

But I’ll never tell.

Gotta’ stay away from you.

I get three meals a day,

And I sleep on a cot.

So many hours to think,

What we had - what I lost.

What I threw away,

Acting without thought.

I’ll admit I’m ashamed,

That the one I love best,

Was treated the worst.

It’s my biggest regret.

They say when one door is closed,

Another is open.

Not when locked in cinder block,

Unless you have magic potion.

…Worry not sir and miss,

You child’s in no danger.

Take heed of this letter,

Though I’m merely a stranger.

Currently - he’s safe with me

Don’t dare speak this to a soul,

Nor contact the authorities.

Breach of this plan - Derek will forever sleep.

The reunion instructions will be sent,

Pending this plan be executed with discretion.

He’ll be clean, healthy, warm and fed,

Simply follow my directions.

I require one million dollars - unmarked cash,

In hundred dollar bills - stacked in a black leather bag.

Arrive at the corner of West and Park,

Outside the Gallery is a newspaper stand.

Place the money in the bag,

And the bag in the stand.

Two am tomorrow,

And you’ll get Derek back.

I’ve given my solemn word,

That I’ve no ill intentions.

This transaction shall be smooth,

Should you complete the aforementioned.

Once the money is counted,

You’ll receive instructions to unite.

Beware deviation of the plan,

And Derek shall die without a fight.

I promise I’ll care for him well,

Yet he naturally missies you two.

He hates my cooking - says I smell,

And my face looks like dog-doo.

Since It’s clear your son is spoiled,

I mustn’t end without mention,

His bright eyes show signs of toil,

And he shared that he lacks your attention.

For money may be,

The only fix that I need,

Derek needs time and love,

From Mommy and from Daddy.

Above finely catered meals,

And nanny’s fluffing satin pillows,

He needs parents who hug him,

And who lock up his windows.

To you I’m a schmuck,,

Perhaps even a goon.

But I once lacked attention,

Yet ate from a silver spoon.

The baby boy with the spoon,

Becomes a man with a sharp knife.

Please don’t force me use it,

For Derek needn’t die.

A suggestion to consider,

Derek believes this merely a game,

Shall the truth be revealed,

His psychosis may be your blame.

Thoughtfully yours,

The Jagged Coast Kiddie-Snatcher

Having haters is a sign of

Your true greatness

Society wont reward homeostasis

to the fake shit

The higher path we choose

We rise above

We transcend all this

And if you see your dreams divided

Like a million stars,

Scribble it out

Burn that shit down

And rise up like a Phoenix

Spiral up and spiral out

Puff on mythical clouds

Fly carelessly

’Bove inaugural sized crowds

You and I best know

haters only hate themselves

I see you carelessly fly

High above those stuck on the ground

And baby girl, don’t be scared of gravity

It’s keeping us grounded

But our souls are still free

Rainbow energy just dancing around

I got your back

And I know this world can be mean

Believe me when I tell you

That you’ll always be a queen to me.

I know one day you’ll see,

and live all your best dreams.

They say its where the heart is.

Mine must be broken and shattered,

A billion jagged pieces scattered.

Ground into the sand of beaches,

Who’s beauty was blocked by melancholy.

Home is smashed like bottles on the side of the highway,

Leaving tiny puddles of beer residue,

growing mildew.

Shards stuck in tire grooves of passing cars.

It’s buried deep like treasure,

but it’s just a dirty secret.

Under murky water where the fish don’t even swim,

And dungeon like basements where few will dare to go.

It’s caked under the front seats of your car,

like that milkshake that spilled and dried up,

The sour smelling stain that nobody can blot away.

Stuck to you like glitter that never comes off.

Ashes pouring out of the fire-ring the morning after a storm.

It’s in all the places that make you cringe,

Because you’re alone,

But know you’re being watched.