Tag: paula

by PAULA

I’m gonna be
just fine
after nights of crying
and
reassuring phone calls.
I’m gonna be alright
gonna
survive this rut I thought I
was stuck in.
I’m tired of fighting
but it’s feeling more like
fight or flight
and I’m even more tired
of running away.
This time
I’m gonna be just fine
felt like the end of the world.
Turns out
it was the start of a new life.
Instead of being held back
I’m
gonna embrace this trial
and face these miles ahead.
Already ran a thousand
I can walk a few more.
I’m gonna be just fine.
Take
some breaths.
I’ll be okay by myself.
Didn’t need anyone before
you came along.
Still don’t need someone
telling me I’m pretty
or smart
or calling me out when I’m wrong.
I know I’m
not perfect but
I’m better off without you
holding me back
holding me down.
What, you think
did me a favor?
Here’s your name on a
plaque.
Hang it where
our picture used to be.
I’m gonna be just fine
believe me.

by PAULA

You don’t get to trample
over me
like some bodacious water buffalo
in heat.
It’s never that deep
try to keep up, sweetheart
lingering around like secondhand
smoke
now you’re behind my second-to-last
option
given the choice
you don’t get to come around like
everything’s fine
finally moving on for myself. No
static in my room anymore
But you walked back in like
you were on Dancing with the Stars
you fell from my heavens a
while ago, burned
in the atmosphere
But it was I who
couldn’t handle the pressure
still can’t. All
caught up in my concerto
sweltering beneath stage lights
you don’t get to cheer at the end
It’s not your show anymore.

by PAULA

The skies opened, christening
New growth
Wrapping around my shoulders
Brought by incessant movement within
Labyrinths beneath the city.
The paths of righteousness
Led us by moonlight into caverns.
Steal the spotlight,
Dear child, sweet child.
Take the lead, not serendipitously.
You were meant to shine.
Twirling onto the stage. Watered-down
Fossils, memories rushing from time to time.
Ambition outweighs the pride
Burdening my mind with impatience.
Waiting burlesque dancers
Hid in the shadows.
To every thing there is a season, and a time
To every purpose under Heaven.
Hang in there.

by PAULA

Typical, really
Always looking for a north
South street on a one-way runway
Catalysts opening my way to the top
when it’s not like that at all
creating something special
out of an unquenchable
inner circle
an unquenchable empty room
always open
always a turnabout in
rush hour
and
when the smoke has cleared, breathe in
the demoralizing prospect of
a modicum of solace
that
all hope isn’t lost
lying to yourself once again
blackbird, fly.
You took those broken wings
glue, and
mortar, and
brick and all
and in the light of the dark,
black night, your
eyes shine
so rise.

by PAULA

The tintinnabulation of popping sparks
brought life to the fireplace,
but, eventually, everything becomes engulfed
by the pressure of the flames
and the embers settle.

Don’t be stuck inside when the fire
runs low, and you’re fed up of tending
to the inevitable decline.
Your arms grow tired, and
Gas prices grow higher

Get out before time runs out.
Spin around and blow bubbles—
calico ones, ones that don’t pop under pressure.
Do the impossible, because under enough pressure,
even graphite can turn into diamonds

So bibbityboppityboop,
here’s a carriage to ride away in,
instead of being held back
by the pressure of having to tend
to those flames that died light-years ago.