Breathe Easy

It's that shading time 
of in-between 
end of daylight 
and the start of nighttime 
when shadows lose their definition 
and begin to morph 
into a quiet spaceless-ness 

When love wraps itself around 
all the worlds creatures 
with the warmth and security 
of a lovers arms 
or the way a parent would embrace 
- their child 

Dusk, a space in time 
when there is no beginning, 
middle or end 
- it is more of a fading off
a drifting away 
slow motion pause
a place that is unconditional
forever constant... 

A place I tend to breathe easy


© 2016 TrilbyYates
 



 

Looming Weapon Of Destruction

I am not afraid because you say I do not exist 
I will not question my own faith 
or hide in the shadows 
of your looming weapon of destruction
...on the contrary
- If to you, I do not exist, you can never destroy me 

If I am the water slipping through your fingers 
you can never drink me, drown me;
or use me to wash away the stain of your choices
If I am the sand beneath your feet 
you can never use me or my labors
to build your castles in the sky 
Because when the tide rises 
I will wash away into the glorious sea
I will be of no use to you - only to me
If I am the flip side of your bigotry, 
the brunt of your misogyny or racism;
prisoner chained by your legislated laws 
If my protected rights 
are restricted by your ignorance,
by the stroke of your pen -
None of this will impact me

You see,

I am not afraid because you say I do not exist 
I will not question my own faith 
or hide in the shadows 
of your looming weapon of destruction
...on the contrary
- if to you, I do not exist you can never destroy me. 

If I am indeed the flip side of what you are 
than nothing about you can touch me 
Because I am invisible in your world, 
I do not exist and my power is in - that I am 
- and your ignorance keeps you oblivious
My power is that you can not destroy 
what you do not believe in or acknowledge 
You stand on a podium to impose your stance, your presence 
You and the like, use fraud as a "prop" to legitimize ego
I stand on my own 
I stand with my feet planted 
in Mother Earth
My head high, eyes to the sky - rain or shine 
There is no one that will ever hold me higher 
than I hold myself

You see,

I am not afraid because you say I do not exist 
I will not question my own faith 
or hide in the shadows 
of your looming weapon of destruction
...on the contrary
- if to you, I do not exist you can never destroy me.

© 2016 TrilbyYates 

Revolution

It's raining down collective societal conscience  
a shift, slap and pat down of fear based rhetoric
something so sinister it retracts common morality;
lean to the right and hear a reptilian hiss...
dissipating truth from fiction
power is an addiction - if we slither in groups
  
It's something we can find in our history books
flashback resource of tales and stories told
and as the sisterhood and brotherhood of humanity
are pushed to its limits, hands and tongues bound
a night like this is more dangerous than most
while we flip through the networks and watch
- media spins as we begin to crumble from the top...

But nothing else will set us free 
nothing else will let us float around 
without hitting the four corners 
and there is something soothing 
about the tapping sound of water 
as it taps, taps, taps on a tin can
with the ambiance of tar and paper
peeling back the layered years

It is the soothing sound of a revolution

...hearing the water running down 
outside on a window frame; window pane - shutters 
reaching out, coiling within inciting violence
running like the devil is chasing angels 
shatter proof - a ghastly scene feathers falling at our feet

Floating around without hitting the four corners
puddle jumpers splash...with delight 
and there is nothing as soothing 
as the tapping sound of water 
as it taps, taps, taps on a tin can
with the ambiance of tar and paper
peeling back the layered years

It is the soothing sound of a revolution

© 2016 TrilbyYates 

The Women I Love

You are beautiful women;
strong, reflective, mighty
Weeping willow, bending with the wind - not opposing it
Fighting your demons, your battles with endurance and dignity 
I am in awe of you, I am in awe of you
The pages of your book,
a slow read for a woman like me
Each turning of a word,
a page full of awakening and awareness 
Years of discovery
Years of uncovering 
your facade 
Finding your truth,
your truth 
Your story - your way
Each page exposing another layer
A complicated life, a simple life
 - and like a flower in partial bloom 
the best is yet to be revealed
I remain in the shadows...slowly descending
Outstretched wing span of an eagle, 
heart and soul of a dove;
the power of a free bird in flight 
Delicate wings of an angel
An image of godliness that takes my breath away
You bring tears to my eyes, an ache to my heart,
the way a new mother feels at the first sight of her child
A feeling of greatness, humility and expansion,
that bursts into nothingness, vast and boundary-less  
You are a magnificent creature 
You are beautiful women
strong, reflective, mighty
I remain in the shadows...slowly descending
A weeping willow, bending with the wind - not opposing it
Fighting your demons, your battles with endurance and dignity 
I am in awe of you, I am in awe of you

© 2016 TrilbyYates 

No Beginning No End

I take words like a source of energy 

spinning them into a beautiful telling novella 

emotional roller coaster ride 

power ball spin into the heavens

They have no beginning, they have no end 

I gently lay them out on a vaporous

black velvet texture-less veil

the words pop like firecrackers 

sparks fly intentions soar 

and if they don't I toss them into a golden cup 

shake them up and throw them out again and again

They have no beginning, they have no end  

I take my pen a relic transformed 

into a thin strand of silver thread 

weaving it in and out stinging words together 

like an artist would create a master piece 

from the heart beating pulse blood soaked 

revealing reaching the depths of the soul

They have no beginning, they have no end  

I carry my treasured

translucent fixations 

ebb and flow emotions

my world of words

has no beginning 

it has no end

© 2016 TrilbyYates

 

Christmas Songs

Tis the season, yes, tis the season
for joy, strength, purity of heart, purity of faith
unity in family, friends old and new
sharing and giving unconditional love
...yet there is a distance in the feel
of the Christmas songs 
- at least for me
a detached sense of how blessed
we are all supposed to be
when the world is exploding
walls going up, fear and hate soaring
the eagles fly high - the eagle flies alone
and the baby's cry and a child's scream
mother, father, sister, brother
running into harms way instead of into the arms
of someone familiar, someone who shares - the same bloodline
maybe they are not hiding on my street
or bleeding in my city but there is a haunting howl
that penetrates and scars the purity of a holy night
and there is no sleep or restful place in my home
the sounds are loud, the sounds are clear,
deafeningly loud and crystal clear
the cry is there for all to hear - where do I belong
and what if we don't, what if we tune out
turn up the volume on Christmas songs
drowning out the cries; what if we choose
to remain detached - and distant
wrapped in the warmth, wrapped in the safety
of our own homes; not knowing where I belong
what if we choose to close our hearts,
and block the sounds that are drowning out - the Christmas songs

© 2015 TrilbyYates

The Boys

Early morning, a few blinking street lights 
off in the distance 
Red flashing color slices its way through the darkness; 
"...stop don't rush the day has not dawned yet..." 
Perfection in, just bitter enough coffee 
with a dash of cinnamon - aroma therapy 
a sentimental tapping into a holiday season 
that has always resonated peace and good will 
I wonder what Francois drinks as the sun rises over the city of lights 
How strong the coffee is that slip between the lips 
of Vladimir as he saddles up for his A.M. ride photo op in-style
Or Bashar as he reads the daily obits 
sipping some strange brew, pondering what else is there is to do 
- rattle sabers background white noise 
I wonder, briefly, if Rivlin and Benjamin break bread 
while gathering stones 
And if Mamoud stays in bed a moment longer to clear his head 
before the first one is thrown
Does Barack grab a cup of joe while on the go
kissing his girls as he rushes to the daily debriefing 
And what if anything starts the day for Hassan and Mahmoud 
when a figure head is only recognized in the palace 
paper to pen and a pot of Persian tea simmers ever so slowly...

I think about things like this 
as I linger over the perfection in 
just bitter enough coffee with a dash of cinnamon - aroma therapy 
a sentimental tapping into a holiday season 
that has always resonated peace and good will

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Carrying Our Secrets

It's just a round-about way 
of saying nothing with meaning 
...or true intent vibrate
In the distance I can hear the song
There is a dullness in the roar,
and when the dust is kicked up
and no one settles in,
bullets will be a blazing - glory
It really won't matter what pocket 
you carry your version of Jesus in 
Left or right handed manipulator 
fly's solo wing span reaches out 
and grabs the core of your heart;
grabs you deep until there isn't 
anything left to sink your fingers into
And the teacup you hold 
so poetically drops to the floor 
tiny splinters of perfection 
splash across glistening translucent tile
Rolling thunder drifts out and off the shore;
far, far away and dissipates into an abyss 
of all that was kept on the down low
When truth and deception were 
as close as Siamese twins 
attached by the purity of their genitals 
A symbolic way to keep the other honest 
keeping the faith and straight forward thinking
What remains to be seen or felt 
when the lid is slowly lifted off the cardboard box 
perforated illusion creases rippling score
from Heaven and Hell releases all the pain 
and a self serving glory - to its own demise 
And the Angel's wings will flutter compulsively 
and fly against the destruction of ancient lore,
while seductive smoke and fiery cinder carrying our secrets 
out to the depths of a cold and everlasting sea


© 2015 TrilbyYates 

I Am A Visitor

I’m not a gender bender 

or person of color - societal descriptive norm

I have little faith 

shy of fairy tales and Mother Nature

There are few left 

in my blood line 

…yet I am relatively not alone

And there are days 

when the sun 

comes up 

and I don’t rise - to the occasion 

Night falls 

and sleep 

is a reluctant guest 

I am a visitor 

in a world of strangers 

and you may never 

know my real name 

My true calling 

has been my only truth 

my only companion 

in the solitude of creativity 

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Shadow Box

You think - therefore you are
You've got my number
So to speak abstract
Interchangeable female
As is the status quo
Mindless ramblings
Of the current fool du jour
We are all the same
Gender bender screw off
High heeled shoes
and some slick lip gloss 
Plumping sexual montage
Careful not to step inside
Your deviant mind
Of images
We all remain
One in the same
While you play it over
and over blur
The industry you set
your sites on
The industry you mirror
for your successes 
The industry you
make love to 
Single handed self inflicted 
short sighted conquests  
Is a manufactured
male fantasy
...shadow box 

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Hail To The Red, White And Blue

There is nothing subtle
about how far right things swing
how far right things shake and break
twisted arm from movers and takers
bend over backward
or lean on me
but nothing is solid
nothing is a sure bet
when the battle becomes so convoluted
the leaders and followers
become one in the same
like a dog chasing its own tail
or the tiger chasing the tiger
sweet butter in your mouth
take a deep breath
it may be the last unfiltered
climate change deniers
never carry an umbrella
throwing snowballs
for dramatic effect
while the sand continues
to slip away
the snowball continues
to melt
and congress continues to give
the middle finger to the masses
a Majestic Fuck You 
Hail to the red white and blue

© 2015 TrilbyYates

I Am OK

Words in print 
words shouted 
from the left 
and right 
fearful 
we are falling in love 
with our own rectitude 
fearful 
we walk a fine line 
of  righteousness 
and never acknowledge 
the lapse of judgement 
or even the possibility
that we haven't got a real grasp 
on what is slipping 
between our fingers 
the experience 
the feeling of dread 
or grief 
the feeling 
that we don't 
have control 
that society is 
a loose cannon 
being set up 
and fired off 
by warriors 
from a different time 
a different mind-set 
a mentality driven 
by half daft demons 
that will set 
the world a blaze 
because they don't know 
anything else 
fear of the unknown 
fear of what they know 
they don't know 
and persecute beliefs 
that don't bend 
at their will 
or won't acknowledge 
the legitimacy 
of anger 
and rage 
the PC terms 
being thrown around 
like some deflated football 
regulation zero
high strung 
tempter tantrums 
at the end of the day 
it is what it is 
sugar coated 
dressed up or down 
educated or illiterate 
the common thread 
is the hate 
that is spread 
with a few choice 
words
you can call me 
dago, 
nigger, 
jew, 
spic, 
dahati, 
headbangers, 
faggot...etc
but the real truth is 
I am OK with who I am...I pose the question...are you?

© 2015 TrilbyYates 

Cried A Little

He said he knew
and he finally understood 
it was as if a light bulb 
went off
a flash of knowledge 
and he cried just a little 
from the sudden escape 
of air that surrounded him 
he closed his eyes 
and cried just a little 
when the knowledge 
poured into him
...because he knew 
he would never
except 
being a black man 
in America 
if it meant 
he would never 
be number one 
and as they tried 
to rise above him
cuffed his hands 
behind his back 
his defenses went up 
and his guard 
went down 
- and he cried 
just a little 
as they pushed his face 
into the ground 
but he knew 
and he finally understood
it was as if a light bulb 
went off
a flash of knowledge 
- and he cried 
just a little 
as he raised 
his head
eyes wide
filled with compassion
filled with pride
because he knew 
he had truly won...

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Sway Of The Dance

Red wine sipped through lips
painted shades of frost and crimson
...dark eyes look away -  a seductive glance
meant only for you and
when the night tumbles around us
while stars shoot across the sky
there will be a time when your hands embrace the moment
and hold its place with mine…

That first kiss speaks volumes
a prelude to what could be
…if we want it badly enough
please don't take for granted
that my affection will remain open to you
I could hold out for a lifetime to get it right
what we dream, what we have lost
keep the heart beating…

Dare I caress the sway of the dance - again? 

© 2015 TrilbyYates

I Don't Waste Time

You lean a little 
to the left
drawing me closer 
pulling me into 
your heart
Your hands 
are tender
but I can still feel 
your inner strength
...and I don't move away
All that matters 
is the feel 
of your face 
close to mine
I am in awe 
of the way 
you seep into me 
and never move 
completely through
I've been told 
I wear my emotions
on my sleeve...and I do
that's perfectly fine with me
and it's OK with you
I don't waste time 
and wonder
how we sleep 
so soundly
while the neighborhood 
burns generational-ly 
to the ground
- because we are shut inside out
And all I want 
to feel 
are your arms 
wrapped tightly 
around me
I don't waste time 
and wonder
how a society 
can continually beat
its people 
into the ground
...and still sleep so soundly
the way we do...
Smoldering ash 
flies high
and gently falls 
up and never down
leaving a thin 
sheer blanket
just the slightest trace
yet nothing 
is transparent
The truth is veiled 
the way a secret 
is never told 
The truth is hidden 
but someday 
it will unfold
...it will certainly unfold
I don't waste time 
and wonder
how we sleep 
so soundly
while the neighborhood 
burns generational-ly 
to the ground
- because we are shut inside out
And all I want 
to feel 
are your arms 
wrapped tightly 
around me
I don't waste time 
and wonder
how a society 
can continually beat
its people 
into the ground
...and still sleep so soundly
the way we do...

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Free Wheeling

I don't know man 
I'm drifting around 
kind of blurry eyed 
and every time 
I think I've got it right
- every time I think 
there is a turning of the tide 
some asshole steps up 
and shines a bright light 
on all my hiding places 
And I am not sure 
if anyone cares 
and that little care-less 
nonchalant mention 
goes a long way 
when all that flies by 
in the middle of the night 
are distant sirens 
from someone else's 
- tragedy
And isn't that 
the American way 
Isn't that 
what we were taught 
Isn't that 
the common thread 
that ties us all together
- linked by a common thread 
or blood line 
never drawn 
- in the sand 
last breath 
or taking a stand
And you never 
have to acknowledge 
my existence 
...you never 
have to acknowledge 
my existence
simply because 
I believe 
I have been 
free wheeling ...my life away 

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Cherished Memento

Taking a long deep 
beautiful breath in
Slowly accepting it,
gently holding it...
A cherished memento
Until the capacity 
of my lungs - fill
Feeling the pressure,
the build up,
the freedom,
and the release 
of all that has 
held me back;
kept me in my own
self imposed sanction
Long insightful walks 
down stone streets
City lights bounce 
and reflect from
subject to object
Shimmering affect 
like a pebble to water
dropped into the Fiume Arno
Rippling outward
without limitation
Image and vision
The imagination 
has no boundaries
My sense of compassion
and love;
my sense of wanting 
to explore 
and experience
- everything
Simply walking 
the streets at night 
Taking in all 
that is generously,
unconditionally offered 
Fills my heart 
Opens me up 
to all that is possible 
All that once
appeared dark 
now has a light 
shining with brilliance
Chasing away 
insecurities, fears
-  reluctance 
A smile from a stranger
Beautiful faces 
and engaging eyes;
meet, connect and hold
gently hold the moment 
like a treasured cherished memento

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Wisdom Of Dorian Gray

Windowsill view 
of a world 
that has stood still 
for seven years
Seven years 
and all I can do 
and all I can say 
is that the mirrored 
image of myself 
doesn't hold a candle 
to the image or
the wisdom of Dorian Gray 
Self imposed isolation 
so many demons to slay 
ghosts that have a need 
for acknowledgement 
and a clear path 
to send them 
on their heavenly way
Chalky white lines 
have been drawn 
sidewalk zigzag 
and connecting 
all the loose ends 
from you to me 
and back around 
introspective reflecting
Things we didn't 
talk about and nothing 
can explain the path 
that was taken 
or the loss 
that was found
Here I stand
one foot 
in the clouds
the other 
firmly planted 
grave site 
in the ground
It is so obvious 
to anyone with an eye 
for the absurd
surround sound blaring
unanswered questions 
insecurities burned
...into the heart
compassionately held
yet never understood
or heard
The nights continue 
to leave me 
feeling empty handed 
a critical angst
not to spend the rest 
of my life without love
or feeling stranded
And it's not for fear of solitude 
or the emptiness of my bed
it has more to do 
with the natural notion
of how the body 
is nourished
and how the soul is fed
Windowsill view 
of a world 
that has stood still 
for seven years
seven years 
and all I can do 
and all I can say 
is that the mirrored 
image of myself 
doesn't hold a candle 
to the image or
the wisdom of Dorian Gray 

© 2015 TrilbyYates

I Am Still Here

Your eyes close 
peaceful rest 
holding your hand 
a gentle squeeze 
...I'm still here 
Sunlight slips 
between the cracks 
in drawn shades 
Patterns of lace 
dance on pale 
linen colored walls 
Shallow breath 
I lay my head 
on your chest 
for confirmation 
you whisper 
...I'm still here 
We fall together 
a dream state 
a reverie 
and sacred space 
Fields of lavender 
and wild flowers 
The wind weaves
and sways
between long 
blades of grass 
Like a child 
fear and foe 
dissipate
and laughter 
permeates the air 
I turn to you 
your eyes 
meet mine 
...I'm still here
Warmth and energy
smiles forever wide
And off in the distance 
your shadow begins
to glisten
and in the quiet
the calm silence
leaning forward 
I strain to listen
and as your voice 
begins to fade
I can hear you say
I am still here, I am still here... 

© 2015 TrilbyYates

Word Flow Vice

There is a sense 
of dread lingering
deep dark longing 
wrapped tightly 
suffocating 
to the point 
of paralysis 
I do not pause 
or hesitate 
Fear is not a driving force
Narcissistic identity bender,
insanity root of inspiration,
and subconscious driving force
...maybe 
I have my words,
my pen and paper;
sword of sorts 
And when I am alone 
in this place of anonymity 
it remains a surreal 
untouchable source of truth 
and provocative profanity - 
I do not hide 
behind my words 
Yet - I struggle to speak 
As each layer 
is painstakingly 
torn away,
tiny pieces of my soul 
are revealed 
And as the reader 
may skim over this page,
little does one know 
what turmoil lie beneath 
each dotting of an "i"
or crossing of a "t" - 
Searching for perfection 
in an imperfect way,
to translate thought,
mindful imagery 
to a more tangible form 
The written word
scratched on a piece of paper 
shreds of detail 
pieced together
Patterns scattered about;
brilliant creation 
Something to view 
Something to think about 
And thou it is never enough
and it is never completely complete 
Even as the words begin to move 
into a slow-go finality,
there remains an endless well 
of inspiration...word flow vice

© 2015 TrilbyYates