book smart
tarts
sharpest
tongues
supple
parts
best finish
even better
starts

heave and grind
taste of steel
bound with twine
a lesson to learn
a love to opine
all that is lost
is known to time
lest you meander
get on with thine

your absence
no matter how
momentary
is a universe
eclipsed
from my
existence

finding exits
is no easy task 
dodge their questions
wear the mask
break the lock
empty the flask

i can 
make it up to you
and i will 
that is the difference 
between
them and i 

you 
bring smiles 
to crooked jaws
clenching 
bone white 
teeth, and
for this
i am, eternally 
grateful 

mined beneath the fold 
tarnished, but it’s always gold 
that’s the point i’m told