Autumn's Shadows

The hazy September sun peered through the open

window, casting long shadows against the wall.

And although she had always loved the fall,

it often reminded her of death once the

trees stood tall and naked, limbs

outstretched, like arms longing to be

filled.

And it was what came next that unsettled

her most… winter… cold, lifeless and

seemingly without end. But she reminded

herself of season’s change, and how nothing

in life was truly permanent, except for change itself…

a feeling that both comforted and distressed her.

Still, she was wise enough to know there were

those things she was unable to control…

things like people, emotions not her own,

and seasons. So she smiled, just a little, knowing

all would pass, giving way to yet another spring.

Bulletproof Vest

This was written for a student...

She watched him from a corner of the room –

head down, pen in hand,

eyes trying to remain focused on the

paper in front of him –

struggling –

forever struggling.

At sixteen,

he had seen his share of trouble –

drugs,

family difficulties,

problems with the police…

but from their private conversations,

she understood his rebellious spirit…

he sought permanence –

permanence in a world where

nothing endures except change.

For a brief moment, he looked up

and their eyes met. He gave her that

cocky grin – the one that used to make

her want to smack the hell out of him…

but she smiled in return,

for she was wiser now.

Because when you live in a world

where change has been the only

constant in life,

you more often than not

cling to your armor –

cocky grin no exception.