Haiti.

And the show, it goes on.
Wish I knew a little better where we stand.
Knee-deep? 'Elbow deep inside the borderline'?
'Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again.'
We all sang that in the cab on the way to the airport, home from Thailand. I don't remember leaving home, I just remember the journey back.
Chance to learn, chance to grow...
It seems I am only fully living when I am riding the ragged edge of disaster.
Riding this disaster, thank you for the 'chance to be alive and breathing'.
I will be back, but not all of me. I know it will be different, I will be different.
I am afraid.
A little of what I'll see and feel, but mostly of the big bugs. Somewhat of the possibility of danger. But, statistically it's either cancer, heart disease or a car wreck that's gonna get me in the end. Given the choice, I'll take my chances with the confusion and the mosquitos.
'I have no regrets, except that I wish I had danced with you.'
It was so nice to hear such love, encouragement, and approval from everyone. I know there is a piece of your heart that is terrified too, but another piece would go with me if you could, or at least realizes why I am thus compelled.
Glad I stayed to dance a little tonight, even though I smell a little like a stripper.
Glad I am taking the opportunity. The universe always presents me with the right one.
Here goes.

Last.

Head up.
Eyes on the prize.
Just breathe, keep it together
Keep it all close in.
Breathe now, tighten up a little.
Suck it in, burning in all the right places.
Focus sharp and narrow.
No room for doubt, no space for what if
No wavering.
There is no fence, only the dull roar behind the heat.
Turn it up a little.
More.
Faster.
A reaching whine, a yearning ache
Pit.
Higher.
Almost, even, drag, falter.
Close, slow, fail, wide.
Fail.
Finishing's just not as sweet, anymore.

Prayer for the clouds

Giving up or giving in
Feels like surrender
Surrendering to an inevitability, though
Like death, like taxes, knew you'd be back
Back to leer over my shoulder at the light I hold
Back to cast your stabbing shadow.

Six senses cloudy, dulled creativity, heaving and limits and a bruise to my pride.
One, or the other, I'll take your dizzy delirium
Over deletion.

Twisting twigs scratch toward the sky
A small, growling animal scratches in my chest
Howling it's indignance at the injustice
Imprisoned there.

Vivid sunrise in all your raucous introduction of the day,
Help me see the silver lining.

Balance

I'm a shadow boxer, a tightrope walker
My bright's a little dimmer here without your light.
Shoulda woulda coulda
Star-crossed and tongue- tied
Wherever I make my life.
Doomed from the start, just simply not to be
Sing me a lullaby, won't you sing me to sleep.
Tell me another story again, won't you
It'll mean more this time.
Your jokes would fix everything
My laughter a little more bitter, sorry.
That new year's resolution to do whatever it takes
To make it right, play it right, do it right for once
Feel like I did you wrong so long.
Looking forward to living with less stress
Less fear.
I only wanted more love, my dear.
Ten thousand days to say I love you
Ten thousand ways to succeed at life,
But like you said: I have to find the one way to get good at living.
I'm sorry that path led me away instead.
Losing what I thought I wanted,
What is it we are losing for?
What was it I was fighting for?
And will I ever find it, again?
Fourth time's a charm, I guess.
I have the pieces gathered close, now I want the rest.