Don't Be Too Nice

Let's not ignore the kicks
that swing wildly past us
they might strike yet
on their way back.

Let's not use bricks
to defend ourselves from the fuss
our only friends our pets
let's use them to attack.

Selective Memory

When you knock

the righteous chip on your shoulder

and it sends you flying

it is only me who notices

your stumble, or

maybe everyone else

just can't believe it happened.

So they delete as is appropriate

to their choice of perception

of the events in question.

Inside on the Outside.

Reminding me that her friends are her friends

and that some of mine are now hers

I see them gather outside the shop I'm in

and all go away together laughing.

The overactive blow heaters whir between

drying out the air and letting it soak

The sun blasts through the windows

dividing shadows up between itself and the strip lights.

I won't walk home when I leave here.

I can have wine in the park by myself.