Polarized

No
is a trimmed tree
groomed grass
and smooth round rocks
choreographed through shadows and sunlight
so the errant eye can rest
where they may not.

No
is a deep breath
to fuel questing thoughts
that birth a flood of words
crashing against the levees built by time
slowly chipping away
what years could not.

No
is a thin line
then many
a stroke of color
careful cut stone
the complexities of life expressed
when words will not.

No
is a new way to know
what no one knew
or could have known
before they were shown.

No
is an excuse to say yes.

Full Stop

Between this place and another
                  a red light hangs;
      it – the resentment,
                the pride
  opposite the green lights apology
                    unwritten
                      unspoken

pregnant with time,
    holding us hostage
                                                                                  awaiting delivery

        so we can all just move on
    get on with our lives
arrive at a destination.