GENTLY

i would like
some reassurances: really
great headphones in the beyond,
and draft beer
that never runs out. i won't

go into the ground easy --
i want unlimited
downloads and klonopin for when
eternity comes crashing in.

FOR THE DEAD

when we think of all
we've lost --

our recklessly perfect dogs
and our favorite faded
ballplayers gone --

not to mention friends dead too
young, and relatives who
never live long

enough...

what is it then keeps us
going blindly ahead
to our own unknown
end? is it more

fear or reverence,
are we defined by wonder
or just trying to keep from going
under? i ache there-

fore i am. it hurts to
give a damn.