I Left You

--dedicated to every place in Europe I have visited

I am
so
unhappy
without
you.

I have yet
to sleep
soundly
at night,
in my
so-called
bedroom
because
you are
so far away.

Nightly,
your presence
graces my
subconscious,
and I am
always
disheartened
to find,
it was
only
a dream—

and I
am so
sorry
I left
you.

I remember
vividly
that for
a split-second,
there was
an opportunity
I am sure,
to stay.

But all I did
was turn
to what I
thought
was comfort,
and home,
and I walked
away,
I
walked
away—

away from
my heart,
away from
dizzying happiness,
away from
the rejuvenation
of my spirit.

All I
feel now,
is a heavy,
boxed-in
emptiness.

Stereotypes Stem from Reality

bow
click, Click
Hello Kitty--
goodbye personal space.
I have a bubble
that isn't respected.

cover up, parasol.
one
day
each
for big cities.

flowing genie pants,
double peace signs,
take more posed photos
than a supermodel
during fashion week in Paris.

pretend to hold up the
leaning Tower of Pisa--

between the thumb and
forefinger, the Eiffel Tower,

balance the Arc de Triumphe,
in the palm of a hand.

stereotypes--
nope,
fucking fact,
I've experienced
it
first hand.

Mating Call: Pigeons? Humans?

Spot target.
Puff up,
ruffle
newly cleaned
feathers.
Let the sunshine
show off my
beautiful coloring
that distinguishes me
from the others.

Circle,
circle,
turn.
Circle,
circle,
turn opposite
direction.

Look at my agility,
my flexibility.
How could you
not want
this?

I'll coo loudest.
I'll protect you;
look at my
impressive
wingspan--
the stretch of
my neck
exceeds that of
the others.

Just look at me,
I will
not beg.

Fine--
I'm walking away,
I am.
I really,
really am.

Nothing?
You'll regret this--
fine.

Spot
new
target.

Ruffle feathers,
some fine
female
has got to
want this--
who wouldn't?