Not Me
written by: Joseph L.M. Sturm
@jlmsturm
In breath, I breathe
and wonder
if his lungs rise when
mine rise.
His nose, mouth,
and eyes.
His eyes –
everything is an accident
because I did not
expect
the sacrifice.
My right is not a gift.
The anything is everything
His smile.
His soul is in his smile,
and his tears
drag my heart
into chains,
and I see them fall
“Better?” I ask
when I cup
them in my hands.
“Yea,” sniffle, cry,
there is no why.
It’s all about the
“Hold me.”
“What do we say?”
“Pweese.”
I spin you around
for that smile
like a fan,
and,
we are both fanatics
for
that moment.
Joseph L.M. Sturm was born in La Mesa, California. He grew up in Pennsylvania and spent some years in foster care. A father, High School English Teacher, and Penn State Graduate, he spends most of his remaining time writing and hoping that he’ll make a positive difference.
Latest posts by Joseph L.M. Sturm (see all)
- Mother’s Kiss - May 14, 2023
- Dreaming of Another - April 30, 2023
- Almost Native - January 8, 2023
