Perspective

When I told you

I'd love you forever,

You thought I was making

A promise. One you couldn't keep.

I wonder if you'll ever get it.
I was just stating a fact.
A truth safe forever
From the wreckage of "us".

Like a black box
Or a secret, hidden cache,
That you-shaped part of my heart is
A strong-hold, undefiled.

In there lives the hope grief can't kill,
Innocence uncorrupted by betrayal.

...

My kingdom came...all was
Perdition. My thirst for you
So cruel I thought to slake
It finally in oblivion...

But not one sip of Lethe
Was granted me by my
Tormentor. Flames seared
My flesh, charred my bones.

Marshaling all my forces,
I quested again and again
Throughout the land, but
All was smoke and ruin.

It was only when I, at last,
Sought some measure of peace
Within my keep, charred standard
Leaning in the corner,

All trumpets silenced, with
Only a priestess and a fool
For a palace guard...that I saw:
Here, always, was my treasure.

...

When I told you...
My kingdom came. All was
Innocence uncorrupted by betrayal.
Here, always, was my treasure.

-- 08/26/2012

Semantics for Officers

The male officer is
Valorous, but the female is
Reckless and dangerous.
With officer safety issues.

The male officer is
Tactical and prudent,
But the female is a puss.
With officer safety issues.

Same actions. Different days.
Same training. Different genders.

They tell me it's semantics,
That I am splitting hairs.
But they call their golden boys
Sensitive when language matters.

They call it semantics.
I call it survival. Sisters,
Be silent no more. Speak
And be heard.

Stand tall and know
Your experience and training,
Your intelligence and courage
Matter just as much

As if you could pee standing up,
As if you got paid just the same.

Your badge, your honor,
They shine bright enough
To light the way...
For that young girl dreaming...

-- 08/08/2012 For my sistahs