366 Days: I was born yellow

I was born yellow.

Like the bones of a dinosaur

dug up and studied

piece by piece.

Here you can see: 

he was an herbivore

he ran slower than the others

he probably swam

he smells like ancient smoke and dust

he was a coward.

I honor this mustard-colored fossil 

each year on my birthday

commiserate his fate

knowing my life will end in a blaze of sun also.

And that I am a coward, too.

366 Days: If You Really Knew Me

If you really knew me you would say I am quiet.
If you really knew me you would say I am loud.

If you really knew me you would say I am brave

If you really knew me you would understand shame.

If you really knew me you would be shocked.

If you really knew me you would love me.

If you really knew me you would know the horror of abuse.

If you really knew me you would say I am a good mother.

If you really knew me you would want to know more.

If you really knew me you would tell me however I show up is okay.

If you really knew me you would ask me questions.

If you really knew me you would want to open me up with a can opener.

If you really knew me you would not allow me to be alone.

If you really knew me you would be worried.

If you really knew me you would be proud.

If you really knew me you would see ugly scars.
If you really knew me you would be wounded.

If you really knew me you would know that I lie. 

But more often I tell the truth.

If you really knew me you would ask me to dance. 

If you really knew me you would sing out loud with me.

If you really knew me you would want to marry me.

If you really knew me you would know I never back down from a dare.

If you really knew me you would be angry.

If you really knew me you would wrap your arms around me. Tight. Tighter.

If you really knew me you would unfold.

If you really knew me you would call me a soldier.

If you really knew me you would say I am loyal.

If you really knew me you would be bold.

If you really knew me you would taste bitterness.

If you really knew me you would jump through hoops.

If you really knew me you would want to be my friend forever.

If you really knew me you would tell me to stay.

If you really knew me you would love better.

If you really knew me I would love better.