midnight

time is passing
every hour, every minute, every second
it's passing now
and now again
hold out your hand
in any direction
up or down
vertically or horizontal
feel the ripple
as time washes through your fingers
with a wiggle perhaps
of your pinkie, maybe your thumb
time can be altered
nudged and persuaded
to follow direction
change tempo according to mood

black

the black is pitch
silent
engulfing
abyssal
slimming
the black is shelter
warmth on a cold winter's day
a test of strength
beneath the blazing summer sun
the black is without
as well as deep within
a part of what keeps me apart
from all that I'm afraid
and all that I love
I love the black
unconditionally
no jealousy when I see
the black adorn another's breast
just pride
look how beautiful the black can be
embraced
nurtured
given free reign
against the arrogance of color
yes, I love the black
it was an usher in the beginning
and will greet me at my story's end
after carrying all the weight I have given it