Big City Life

The city speaks
The sirens sound
Still feeling hustle
When no ones around

The streets still run
Even without sun.
The buildings stand tall,
Make me feel small.

The people in masses
Spilt into classes.
Lift you up or cut you down
Constant traffic all around.

Stiffened smiles and harsh glares.
What happened to the happiness in the air?

Ride the subway
This way, that way.
Uptown, downtown
Queens bound; Brooklyn bound.

Don't chase the train with closing doors
Another will come that's meant to be yours.

A Tribute to Grandpa

People aren’t as lucky as we are
To have a grandfather along with them this far.

Such a strong, witty man with an epic tale. He pushed hard to the end – without fail.

The story of a child raising the farm
To a man of good nature with Grandma’s hand on his arm.

I used to think when I was a kid
That a Grandpa wasn’t a Grandpa unless they looked like he did.

His bald head and silver hair
Any other Grandpas just didn’t compare.

I’d sit on his lap and tell him he stunk
He’d tell me “Kristin, bathing is for punks.”

He taught me how to make a fire with his black, beat up hands.
And I always looked up to him; a strong figure, a strong man.

As I thought about Grandpa in his last few days.
I thought if I make it, all the things I’d say.

I’d tell him, be with Grandma, its ok to go.

We will surely miss you but we know you loved her so.

And as I think of you now and everyday after -
I choose only to remember your charm and your laughter.

Sanctuary

I wake to see the fire escape.

The bluster of trees and the piano play.

The gates that keep my sanctuary

Safe and sound, so military.

Candles lit and tea is steeping

Just how I like to spend the evening.

Music plays and exhale puffs

Calm and peaceful, that's enough.

Strangers

Walk in a deep silence

Along the dusty road.

Sun is scorching steadily

Our stories left untold.

We share a mutual moment

In this similar space and time.

Speechless sounds from the heart

Where no control is mine.