IF

If loving you
was easy
would I
do it anyway
If leaving you
was what I
really wanted
to do
why the hell
do I stay

CASTILLO

You navigated
my hunger
towards the center
of your back
with a groan
and a moan
Then ordered
me to stop
with a subtle
Uh-uh

I gladly took
direction
But I knew
I could never
fall asleep
in your arms

So this is where
we are:
I'm stuck
Uptown
On the A
Train
And you're
still tripping
On Avenue A

We could meet
somewhere
in the middle

Or I could
let you
slip back
into oblivion

Sure it was
fun
Sure it can
Never be
anything
more
than
what it is
or what it was

Flourescent
specks
on subway
tracks
A screeching hault
125
I'm back into
my spine
Settled
more or less

No regret
to pester
my pen

A roar
and a shake
As I
Barrel
on my shiny
orange
seat

Away
from
you
And
what
could've
Never
Been

RICK

When you
were a kid
living in Hell
's Kitchen
you couldn't
afford
the luxury
of forgiveness

ARE WE COOL

When you slept
Right next to me
I felt your breath
And what could be
The sun went down
Into the sea
The stars slipped by
I felt complete

Are we cool
Are we cool
Are we still cool?

A TONY TOWN

The future effect
In your
Reflections
Glide
Spectacularly

Time stands still
Against
The ground
Flecks of sun
Emblazoned
on a brow

Sincerity
is certainly
the key

in this town



(painting by Brendan Cass)