Fractured Zen

happiness is the sound
of quick feet over carpet
and glances sideways

disappointment is
cold pizza and draftiness
two whole years are scorned.

pride is the rush of
noxious optimism and
cool wind through clenched hands

faith is forgetting
yourself in the name of lust
while still knowing truth

and pain is the sight
of all those months wasted here
beneath dingy stars.

lament smells like death
it rots holes in floors and hearts
defies purity.

compassion is what
was said and done laid to rest
and all the world gone

envy is staring
at painted ceilings i know
someone else watches.

shame drizzles on us
we frown before the sunset
let in clouds and change

fear is surviving
late nights with snow creeping in
hints of sad daybreak

and greed is the time
i spent wrapped up in mine and
forgot the world.

regret is the burn of
vodka and the daily cough
the scars won't forget.

beauty is as it
was when i saw summer bloom
through watery eyes

passion is the sound
of slow breath on your bare neck
waiting for morning.