listen to the sound of my voice
the lilt and the odd mix of Filipino and American
(i blame my parents and all the Winnie the Pooh
they forced on me)
listen to the softness
to the uncertainty
listen to my voice
hear the o's and the a's and the odd way i say
my e's
listen to the sound of my voice
while it still sounds like
dripping honey and daisies in the wind
listen to my voice as i speak about rocket ships
and the moon

I  wish that today, I could
demonstrate;
reciprocate
everything you once gave to me;
your blue-eyed glance,
your firm grasp on my hand, &
your love
is still worth 1000 poems
& I'm so sorry
that I cannot
illustrate
that through more than just
these few
short
lines.

I want to know your small parts
Every little scar
Every freckle
Every dimple
Every direction your hairs decide to go
I want to know your small parts
I want to know your favorite board game
I want to know the smallest things that steal your attention
I want to know your favorite color
I want to know your darkest nights
I want to know your favorite snack foods
I want to show you so much beauty
I want to show you how wonderful you are
I want to know you

Today a man told a **** joke.
Everyone laughed.
I stood there and thought about it for a moment
And then I asked,
"What is funny about that?"
The laughter stopped
and they stood there in silence.
The momentary silence of shattered illusions,
There was no answer
Because it wasn't funny
So why laugh?