Word Shaman

poems are slashes on the pillow

sunlight breaking into a dark room

abstract paintings to drown

       into your senses

poems tell whirlwind stories

       write worlds of words

       torch revelations to arouse

poems demand attention             

       drip rolling metaphors

       into waterfalls of messages

tinkering is the poet’s affliction

obedient to perfection’s addiction

an alchemist turning words into gold

a poet is a mystic

       dances verses of supreme power

       chants choruses of phrases

       a lyricist spinning into the infinite

a poet slits veins

       spilling mystic heart’s piercings

       to compose life into poetry

Skin Walker

I am night walker

     who howls for my lost skin

I am shape shifter

     fashioned in frightened blue flesh

     and natty spikes of twisted black hair

I am entrapped

     in old habits of tribal do’s and don’ts

     other’s flesh

     drape my body

     caress and shame me

I am old shadow woman

     my coverings folded in tapestries

rainbow masks strapped onto my face   

I am skin spirit of my youth

     who walks in reminders

     when stars of self lit my bosom

I watch red ribbons of fear

     stream down windows

     where my child peeks out

I am dream walker

     spiraling in sustained mystery

     whose lush spirits pound to be released

I become ghost fury

      planting seeds in the midnight rain

          twirling a fancy dance

     step stomping on shredded skin