North Carolina I. Devil’s Courthouse


The wind sighs with the feeling of excitement then release.

Woodland trails

Where the sun catches the mist in a noncommittal sort of way,

Oh, I'll do that again if I feel like it

And the breeze twists my hair 

In an innocent sort of way.

These trees know themselves

And patiently 

Restrain themselves 

As we take in their scents

And become aroused,

New, virgin to the smell

Of light and decay. 

I feel nauseated:

The feeling of being churned as we succumb to the curls of the parkway.

I might as well be in a washing machine.

And my feet smell river rank,

And I can't help but forget 

All the horrible things

And focus 

On the Wonderful things.

I will take in the waterfalls and swallow the sky.





North Carolina II.


The flowers that line the valley streams,

Rhodendrums that kiss the rivers.

The mist that hid your eyes:

You were the north side of the mountain.

I huddle in the mud and rotten leaves,

Telling myself how much I love you.

Yet I can't help but be afraid of

How icy you make me feel.

Chin deep in clear cold water,

I hold myself under.

The feeling of numbness 

Takes my body,

Feels tender.

This water feeds the streams that run through the heart of the ancient lowlands.

You keep making me afraid of you

Although I love you too much

And I wish there was a place

That you didn't have to be so vindictive.

If a scene this beautiful can't even starve your shadow,

Then what's the point?