JOBLESS

I'll be out
on the street
soon,
living in my car,
trunk full of clothes,
books I've read,
a couple pictures of the ex-wife,
sleeping bag in the backseat,
fogging the windows at night,
dreaming of home:
taking a hot shower,
TV on,
curtains closed,
door locked.

- Stephen Jarrell Williams

(added 02.03.10)

BURDENED

Folding inward to myself,
squeezing some emotion free,
something deep escaping,
exposing that
that I cannot contain,
loose in this chaotic world,

it flies away moaning,
declaring
there is more
to us
than a stick stirring a hole,

we have wings
unseen,
burdened with such a great guilt,

perhaps
if we fold inward to ourselves,
we'll fill the sky.

- Stephen Jarrell Williams

(featured in the poetry forum 02.03.10)

MAKE IT SLOW
 
The pace quickening,
spreading meltdown
 
city, town, hut,
lowering tired heads under the weight,
 
pulling the shade down
on the vibrating window,

pretend not to see
buckling landscapes,
 
deliver me
into your realm,

seconds ticking,
swelling to burst,
 
unbutton your blouse
humming your song,
 
make it slow...

- Stephen Jarrell Williams

(featured in the poetry forum 08.26.09)

RIOT

Signed ourselves away,
pulverized into debt.

Unrealistic in our outlook,
unasked questions and means.

On our way to the grave,
faithless in our doom.

Flames in the dark,
a few moments to reflect.

Come and comfort me,
forsaken we kiss.

Never wanted to
win a war.

Reinvigorated
by your tears.

Chewing on a growing rage,
I can't change my mind.

- Stephen Jarrell Williams

(featured in the poetry forum 02.24.09)

THE FALL

We are
the wonder of the world.

Enamored
with freedom.

Your repressive power
will fall this night.

- Stephen Jarrell Williams

(added 02.24.09)

MAKING ROOM

Stars flickering
so close to touch...

Fiery buildings falling
to the glowing ground,
making room
for a new city of hope.

- Stephen Jarrell Williams

(featured in the poetry forum 12.22.08)