Interpretations

All the voices are clamoring for space in my head
and my ability to translate is diminished
by the rise of my own voice
its desire to be heard despite its immaturity
I want to learn and I want to be heard
don't try to mislead me with the false reality
that placates the masses
don't ply me with the soporific video drug
stare at my face and tell me what you believe
if you can
I'm not interested in a recitation of what you've heard
our interpretations of the facts might differ
but each can carry the weight of conviction

The Past

And so Germaine
what part of our past is really past
we dream of sleeping with baby lambs
and we could still scare the hell out of the city kids
with tales of Old Moses
When we are together the future does not even fit
into the equation of our conversations
what did Faulkner say
"The past is not dead. In fact, it's not even past."
I know we can not hide from right now
I would not be doing this
and the future is tomorrow
I am at least looking forward to the chance to confront it
but this thing called the past
I think I have it figured out
my very best friend has taught me
that the past can be a palliative comfort
when we do not allow it to be clouded by regrets