caught in the middle

caught in the middle between black and white 

caught betwixt the sun and the pale moonlight

penning in metaphor, oblique is your write 

my perspective clear, but it's only my side 

answers seeking wisdom from purple sage

curtains that won't rise on the actor's stage 

hopes that get caught in a very small cage 

the book that I read has a blank last page 

how do I get in--push right on through 

dots that won't connect between me and you 

rain pours down from the constant monsoon

it always gets darker before the sky turns blue 

far to the West--lays a new promise land 

where we walked together once hand in hand

things keep shifting like the hot desert sand 

nothing ever turns out exactly as we planned 

caught in the middle between black and white 

caught betwixt the sun and the pale moonlight

penning in metaphor, oblique is your write 

my perspective clear, but it's only my side 

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

faith

faith wanes 

questions plague

clouds form 

monsoons rain 

lightning flash 

thunder cracks 

constant turmoil 

wounds rehashed 

sun shines 

moon glows 

ceiling stars 

after the storm

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

open my heart

open my heart to understand 

to run unfettered in the fields 

where flowers bloom and skies are blue 

open my heart to understand 

feel the warmth of the bright sun 

swim in the coolness of the pond

napping after in the tall grass 

feel the warmth of the bright sun 

take my love deep into your soul 

unabashed, I give it to you 

in return give yours to me 

take my love deep into your soul

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

purr

you complement me on my hair 

when I know that it's a mess 

you say my shirt looks sexy 

and it's torn with stains on it 

you tell me dinner was really great 

when the steak was pretty tough 

you see through rose colored glasses

and I thank you very much 

you tell me that I purr at night 

when it's actually snoring 

you stay awake when I toss and turn 

and I know that it's annoying 

I lay awake and watch you sleep 

saying a prayer of thanks 

with your arm around me tight

loving that I'm there

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

reason to believe

I try to believe

that love has no reasons 

sometimes a monsoon 

sometimes a dry season 

let the rain begin 

let the drought finally end 

wrap yourself around 

what's left of me 

bury yourself here 

inside of me 

burrow yourself 

under my skin 

let the rain begin

let the drought finally end 

bury your love here 

inside of me

 

give me a reason 

a reason to believe

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

shadows

shadows drip from darkened walls
a cold, bright moon enhances all
many a sleepless night is caused
a love that waits at beck and call

wind

the wind blows change

for better or worse 

stirring up questions 

answers gritty and coarse 

tell the truth 

so I can file it away 

and we can get back 

to yesterday

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

Breakfast With The Mafia

breakfast with the mafia 

an early Thursday morn 

we watch them through the window 

not happy with their discord

eating their New York bagels 

while they plan and plot 

we're watching for a drive by

making sure we know when to drop 

one looks like Jr Soprano 

getting out of his chauffeured car 

we're guessing they're all packing 

at least their bodyguards are 

we wonder who's gonna get massacred   

whose days just might be numbered 

we're glad that they don't know us 

and we won't be encumbered 

the underworld sure is thriving 

by the looks of this tight clan 

they're  silenced by other patrons 

so they don't overhear their plans 

we hurry with our coffee 

before Tony Soprano arrives 

we just want to leave here 

while we're still alive

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

dysphoric heart

feelings that died 

or got buried too deep 

a dysphoric heart 

that is left to weep 

a mind that is numb 

from the games that were played 

a spirit that is shattered 

a soul that is grey

no answers that come 

to the question "why?" 

or the reason you left 

which I try to deny 

file it away like

the others before 

a window will open 

behind this slammed door 

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

center word

I draw 7 tiles 

trying to build 

off the center word

in this Scrabble of life

nothing I can construct 

from this soul of vowels 

no consonants 

in my heart 

the game plays on 

your turn is quick 

your tiles better 

your heart unscathed 

no words to make 

to lead me forward 

after the board is folded 

and the game put away 

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Vic Vegas

on a silver bed
beauties clothed in wispy smoke
purring as we go

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you are

you are a part of every hour 

the light that shines inside 

the song I sing in the morning 

the poetry that I write 

the wonder of each moment

a candle in my dark 

a now eternal flame 

burning always in my heart

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

me

this is how I think 

and sometimes the way I feel

my Haiku and Prose 

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

tenfold

this love that I feel 

as vast and deep as the sea 

and returned tenfold

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Picasso

my life 

a Picasso abstract 

conceptual pieces 

that somehow make up

a work of art

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

unanswered

I professed it all 

my feelings and love for you 

by the light of the moon

I cork the bottle 

and toss it far out to sea 

in the early morning 

as I walk the beach 

I find the bottle at my feet 

my exposed love 

still enclosed, 

intact, unanswered

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

for you

you understand it all 

you look inside 

delving into the depths

exploring mind and heart 

looking at the whole picture 

the unfinished portrait of me

seeing what can be 

look into my eyes 

what you find there 

what you see there 

is all for you

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

where

where chambered feelings once were kept 

levied love over dams now swept 

overflowing and forming a pool

in the depths of all that's new

where thoughts and dreams have not formed yet

from an accordion folder in my heart's depths 

memories painted on blue sky days

no clouds in sight on which to gaze

where love flows inward over sandy shores

gregariously, we allow for more 

a crescent moon that shines above 

a ceiling of stars that blanket my fall 

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

beginnings

as the window shuts 

a fragrant breeze sweeps inward 

love begins anew

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peace abounds

upon forgiveness the Lord's face shines

water turned to sweet, sweet wine

drink my friend, let it renew 

the gift of love that awaits you 

grace surrounds, peace abounds 

faith will never let you down 

in the teachings of His book 

sometimes quickly overlooked 

although some pain I can't forget 

you do not fill me with regret 

yesterday's petals now less fragrant 

tomorrow's flower blooms resplendent 

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complete

softly caress 

the skin you undress 

kisses so tender 

while the candles flicker

by the light of the moon

until the dawn looms 

in your arms I sleep 

loving complete

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the heart of a friend

you can't move around 

you're afraid you might trip 

over all of the baggage 

in the cartons that ripped 

you can't see the light 

if your darkness won't end

but you can find peace 

in the heart of a friend 

you can't catch a star 

in the clouds of the day 

you can't move the boulders 

that get in your way 

you can't read the signals 

in the lights on the street 

or read all of the people 

that are not indiscreet 

you can touch the small screen 

and still lose your place 

you can touch my heart 

without touching my face 

you can travel the back roads 

without getting lost 

you can settle here 

and lose all of your ghosts 

you can placate your life 

and bring down those walls 

you can cry in your dark 

or run screaming down the hall 

you can stand the comparisons 

and the judgements that will come 

from the ones that don't care 

and live their lives numb 

you tossed out the love 

of a heart that was true 

but retained all the links 

that connect me to you 

it all intertwines 

with the thickest of ropes 

that will sustain all your life 

and salvage all of your hopes 

you can find your peace

and all that matters 

you can get it back

what lays there in tatters

you can't live your life

without making amends

you can find it here

in the heart of a friend

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

evening

in the quiet of this night 

on the patio sipping wine

winding down the end of the day

a time to pause and offer grace

in the light of the moon bright 

twinkling stars blanket the night 

listening to the train whistle blow 

miles and miles from sleeping homes 

serenity and love abound 

comfort in the evening sounds 

all is resting here in me 

my heart is full my soul at peace

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

faith

faith is forsaking 

and belief can not take me 

where I want to go 

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loss

what slips from your grasp 

more than most will ever have 

extravagant waste

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withdrawn

what I thought was going to last, 

drains like sand from the hour glass

did I blink, when that look faded? 

my ears not attuned to closing doors

to the smile, that came more slowly

to the touch, growing cold, before it was withdrawn

to love, that packs its bags and leaves

the passport stamped with yesterday

dehydrated

there isn't any medication 

that can cure this febricity 

I break out in a soaking sweat 

with cold chills racking me 

maybe it is the fever that's causing discombobulation 

no, I think it is just you making my heart dehydrated 

I've been thinking that you, may be the only cure

just what the Doctor ordered 

a prescription for these ills 

I need an overdose, 

a morphine drip won't do 

but definitely, every part of you

next to every part of me

that is the cure I need

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

negatives

just a piece of scenery 

smiling photos reveal empty portraits,

pasted lips

eyes that don't smile

negatives, cut on a dark room floor

a photo montage 

in black and white 

over exposed, hopes and dreams 

never developed

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

my heart

you have my heart. is it too heavy to carry? 

does it drag you down...make your own seem now weary?

can you carry it longer or is it just too much? 

does yours beat faster with every touch?

is it a burden, does it weigh you down? 

does it wipe away your smile, making you want to frown? 

does it speak to you softly or does it not make a sound? 

does it cause you to flail, make you think that you'll drown? 

is it so light that it makes you want to sing? 

fills you with laughter and thoughts of good things? 

does it make your heart feel like it now has wings? 

do you want to keep it and all that it brings?

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

sleepless

around and around and around it all spins

this vortex of you that sucks me in 

I think I've managed some damage control 

when yesterday's paper rocks all that I know 

I think that it's gone and buried real deep

then it's at the top of the heap

I start to falter and so does my faith 

I realize I'm slipping and in dire straights 

I write with anger trying to work it all out 

five hundred days of dissension and doubt 

you do not read me; no longer subscribe 

nothing is sacred and none of it jives

I won't speak the words that I want you to say 

I scrawl them in crimson--the same ole cliché 

West rises the sun and bleeds red across my sky 

and sleepless I write in the dead of the night

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black

you're running fast but it is all gaining 

don't turn around or it will overtake 

eyes straight ahead, you just can't look back 

the sun is ahead, behind is jet black 

fate missed the train, it was always running late

as the doors are closing, the passengers are waving 

next time maybe fate will look at its watch

kismet steps in trying to save what fate botched 

you finally get here when it's time for me to leave 

faith is now gone as are all my beliefs 

I kiss you goodbye and I now board my train 

and there on the platform both hearts remain

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

magic

where the magic lies in us all 

underneath where the light doesn't fall 

wrought by touch on silken skin

only then can you see within 

in the daylight we fall short 

hearts moated inside castled support

diminished by the sun shining bright 

feelings seep in the dead of night

covert thoughts not talked about

putting in less than we take out 

stepping outside to check for rain 

before we tuck it in again 

love and affection travel far 

flying faster to get where you are 

so the magic can be displayed 

all through the night and into the day 

there the magic meets with Grace 

the smiles from an angel's face

jade green wonder meets blue sky eyes 

wanderlust meets a quick demise

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

my heart

I've entrusted you

with what lays buried deeply

here inside of me

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

leather

you gave me a leather jacket

cause the weather is gonna get cold 

you gave me leather gloves to match 

so tightly I can hold 

I climb on up behind you 

and with the wind we're gone

there's nothing like the exhilaration 

of the wheels that play our song

we ride off into the sunset 

on trails that we are blazing 

we're just getting started 

on a path that is amazing 

baby, there is nothing better

than holding tightly to you 

I love it all, this music we write 

under a sky of cobalt blue 

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

You...

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

exorcism

you haunt my dreams 

and my waking hours 

ever present 

I need an exorcism 

will that rid you? 

eradicate you? 

maybe from my mind 

but not my heart

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

treasure

you find a treasure 

buried in the sand 

dusting it off 

holding it up to the light 

examining its many facets 

the intricate angles and colors 

you put the treasure in your pocket, 

not quite sure where to display it 

or how it will fit

all you can think

is that it is a treasure 

that you want to keep

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

forces at work

you swept through my life 

a monsoon storm 

clearing the air, 

quenching a thirst 

a fresh breath of air 

in a stagnate room 

brushing up against my spirit 

but removing a part of my soul

maybe it was predestined 

could be kismet 

or a greater force at work, 

doesn't really matter 

 what does matter 

is that you are here, 

for however long 

for whatever reason 

you are here

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

in between

there is a thousand miles between the smiles 

and coffee on a back porch swing

there is a different road and mountains between

all the songs we used to sing

there is a different approach and miles left over 

on frequent flier points 

there is a world of hurt between what's logged 

and sawdust from all of those joints

there's a million blue skies and many monsoons 

on mountains and valleys of green 

there are as many songs and lots of lyrics 

that now are being screened 

Irish eyes that smile and cry 

on what lays in between 

a plethora of songs that will never be sung

is what this poetess sings

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

we

etched inside my soul 

is everything that we are 

indelible love

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

take me back

take me back to that sweet place 

our first kiss, that tight embrace 

to those lyrics that know evade

to the music our love once made 

take me back to the first time 

to that day that was sublime 

let me see that look again 

when we started, when it all began 

take me back to when love was new 

when the only thing we wanted to do 

was talk and love and learn the things 

of what a life together could bring 

take me back, just one more time

to those first days that were sublime

to that very special place

the very first time I saw your face

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believer

surround me with you 

make me a true believer 

in all that we are

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

tattoo

my fields on fire, my mind is lit

 no amount of rain could ever douse this 

I can't sleep I'm just to wired 

this sweet, sweet taste of pure desire 

I'm drinking this wine but it doesn't quench 

my soul roped in and tightly cinched 

the more you give, much more I want 

my heart upon your sleeve you flaunt 

I feel the heat as we ride this storm 

all past dreams have been transformed 

lightning strikes and leaves its mark 

a zigzagged tattoo on my heart

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braille

how can you remember 

every word, everything I've said 

when you watch my lips as I speak 

moist and swollen from your last kiss 

oh, but honey I remember everything 

that you have said 

cause you're talking with your hands 

your fingers doing the enunciation 

reading me like I'm written in braille

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tides

the crescent moon shines on the sand 

the tide washes on the beach 

my lover and I walk hand in hand 

in a dream that used to be

sand dollars that lay broken 

rest underneath my feet 

days gone by rest resolutely 

on tides that softly sweep 

so many days pass quickly 

tides ebb and then they flow 

and memories of yesterday 

will come and they will go

on a sandy deserted beach 

love falters out at sea 

and tides of passion wash 

over all that used to be

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traces

I don't hold a grudge 

against what wouldn't budge

the words stuck in your throat 

till you thought you might choke 

like a ship on dry land 

won't float on the sand 

forgiveness the wave 

that floats it away 

what you couldn't see

happening between you and me 

will haunt from the grave 

of our yesterdays

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smile

I open my eyes and watch this grow 

not running on fumes this time 

I connect the lines 

in a graceful arc 

this time it all fits 

I'm loving every minute of this 

I shout it loud to anyone who'll listen 

I yell it to the moon and the stars above 

I tell people on the street 

strangers that I meet 

but they can see it in my eyes

it's your love that makes me smile

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sand castles

all of the beautiful castles 

I built while on the beach 

with grains of sand and water 

from the ebbing sea 

finally, I view my masterpiece 

castle walls built high with hope 

surrounding this delicate structure 

love overflows the moat 

it didn't last an hour

'fore the wind has swept it clean 

blowing into the ocean 

all of my hopes and dreams 

I'm starting it all once over 

packing harder to make it stand 

I am always rebuilding castles

the wind won't do me in 

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silver lariat

he told her that he loved her 

and that his love was true

he sealed it with a kiss 

underneath a crescent moon 

besides this gift of loving 

he placed around her neck 

an intricate piece of jewelry

a silver lariat

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License