Mutual Love

sex is the fireplace in my living room
a giving of self you can hear
the echo of the sea in a shell
bonds as tender and strong
as stretched iridescent tendons
plucked free.

RIP Javad

This poem is dedicated to the dedicated, eternal brother of the Black Nationalist movement who died this week from pnemonia after having been in a coma and having H1N1.

a brother died in the struggle
not from AIDS, violence or abuse
he carried the weight
of his communities’ ailments
in his earthly body
offered self affirmation
to young people
JAVAD
You will be Remembered.

Look out for us
from afar
the spirit realm’s now
where you reside

* * *

a good brother died
because he carried other’s pain and hurt
and longing and separation
because he ate too many cheeseburgers
take care of yourselves so we don’t lose good brothers and sisters
to more disease

From My Apartment, Sunset Park

slight hues of the highway color my existence
the beams shake like tree trunks
lashing side to side from violent trucks
the branches reach cloudy skies

Tender Omission

intimate breath between our lips

sweet tender kiss(es)

before the parting

there’s captivated eyes

freckles on your cheek

goodbye

hello plump dick

sustenance

a lie

you know the truth

I love you