Coward

S.E. Rittel


I will keep shaving my legs,
Wishing I was shaving my head,
But not yet brave enough to cross that line,
Baring what little I still keep hidden.

I will apply mascara to tired eyes,
And stare myself down in the mirror.
I always lose, and look away.

I will run my hands over an aging body,
Never thinking of what might have been
Of secrets left unshared.

So what ifs are for the old,
And what might be for the young,
And all between lock themselves away
From thoughts outside the grind.

Until that day the razor slips
And reveals every secret of my heart
Free flowing to the world
That never cared to see.

Generosity

S.E. Rittel


Take me back, please.

Take me back.

Take me,

Take me,

Take…

The only time I was ever asked,

Instead of give,

And give,

And give

To take.

Democracy

S.E. Rittel



The righteous in their regal robes
Of scarlet justice and right,

Tread heavy over all the world
Dispensing truth with might.

And all who see them quake in fear,
While mothers bravely hide their tears,
At such a great and horrible sight.

The righteous in their regal robes
Dispense their truth with heavy hand.

And woe to all who may dissent,
Their blood will flow across the land.