because

i have an abiding compulsion to live
because sixteen years ago i did not think i would still be here
because ten years ago i did not think i would still be alive
because in those intervening years
there was an undercurrent of hope
because there was a pull on my being
because my presence here is important
because it is about more than just me
because whether you want to be it or not
it is about you too

glb /// “because”
originally published 01/14/2019

my words

my words are dying
for a muse,
hoping to get through
to someone that
might not even be
listening

my words are longing
for a touch
in places that
haven’t been touched
in so long

my words are trying
to break through
your defenses
hoping you will see
me for what i am

just a boy
in love
with a girl

glb /// “my words”
originally published 02/23/2019