synchronized swimming

originally written on 4-20-04. modified to fit this screen.

elongate
the mind's ability
to concentrate

on rhythms in words
kept in jars
like pickled beets
and body parts
long since removed
from the soul they once
clinged to

we dance
s l o w e r
than the music playing
and don't mind when
the earth's tempo slows
to match our own

but it figures
that the song is over
just in time
for love to begin


shakedowns
are synchronized
with top 40
hip-hop breakdowns

to add the element
of art
to the violence
we glorify
and romanticize

because we are so jaded
love isn't enough
to be romantic about
anymore

blood and pain
being the more appropriate
blockbuster focus

like love doesn't hurt
and bleed enough
on its own.