1.

The longer I kick around this mossy pebble,

The harder I fall.

I think it's because I perch myself on such high standards.

2.

I've spent so long being a tealight

That I'm naturally attracted to the bombast of firecrackers.

3.

To call me a whirlwind romantic would be too simple.

I'm more of a trailer park tornado.

Guard your double-wide heart.

4.

Some poems are harder to say than others.

Especially ones with a lot of S's in them.

Especially if you've been punched in the lip.

5.

A crocodile cannot move its tongue.

You, my dear, are no crocodile.

6.

The first concert I ever saw was a James Taylor show in Milwaukee.

Summerfest, 1983.

James was drunk and ornery, but when he stopped yelling at the audience,

He was an angel.

I think he may have prepared me for you.

7.  FAKE MEMORY NEVER SHARED: 

When you came to town, I was twelve and very vehemently denying that anything involving circuses or carnivals could be remotely cool.  All it took to twist my hormone-addled brain was you, acrobat lady.  You with your tiara and fishnet stockings.  You with the glittery eye make-up.   When I saw you kiss the lion tamer behind the main tent, I was jealous and aroused all at once.  He, with his whiskey breath and husky whip coiled and at the ready.  He of the five o' clock shadow and constant wandering.  I wanted to grab a chair and tame him, to make him see that I was worthy of your daredevil high-flying love.  He was rough and you were tumble.  I was smitten.

Acrobat lady…

why don't you come back to town anymore?