an intensity
in blustery gales
the trees bend
a sign to turn
around and flee
before being swept
aside once again

selling simple
soliloquies
in an attempt
to remain solvent
in turbulent seas
singing softly
to ward off this
incessant sadness
singed serenity
in sorrowful sighs

my solitude is
a mile marker rather
than a destination
a ripple of chaos
untouched by time
forming spikes
upon my carapace
to ward off visitors

no matter how tight
i constrict myself
strengthen defenses
a perilous parody
of an armadillo
i cannot force the
fucking dreams to stop
despite the years
some things don’t fade
they burn brighter
leaving only ashes
lost in howling gales