sadness,

I can no longer

hold you;


these hands are becoming

anchors

for the waters

I’ve cried

below


Now I raise

these arms

and

allow the wind to replace this weight



-MAS



To be in love with friends

is to be in love

Is to be in love

Is to act with love

Is to be love in love


-MAS

Here I am,

open, ready

to pour,

waiting for you,

to unlock your lid.


-MAS

At the mall

I’m sweating,

because it does that to me

so,

I reach out for your hand

hoping you’d say yes

usually you say no

but

at last

yours in mine

mine in yours

fingers at the wrist,

tapping veins,

sending messages to the heart

and

I forgot we were at this crowded mall.


-MAS

To Danez Smith



I woke up thinking about that time

you asked

“Sir, are you ok?”

after sitting in my own heat and sweat,

crying in my own self

while in a room of mannequins

facing towards you

and listening to your gentle slaps on my soul.

You,

helped me face what I could not

You,

helped me bring forth that slumping man

and I thank you.


-MAS

Early morning riser

keep you by my side


Ribs lay close to fire

how’d you get past skin?


Laying left beside you

I correct my sins


It’s been a fight within

but I can’t swing without you


from lovers to best friends

we’ve rekindled fire.


-MAS

Cumin, just enough

chicken thighs 6 with the bone in

turmeric, for color

salt, not too much but enough for flavor

Pepper, generously

cayenne pepper, enough to clear sinuses

Chili powder, because this is a chili

half a cup of jasmine rice, for filling

half a cup of lentils, for extra filling

two large chopped carrots

two large chopped celery sticks

one large rustic potato, diced

half of a large onion, sliced

2-3 cups of chicken stock or broth

place lid on large pot

Cook slowly until chicken easily comes off its bone,

separate meat from bone,

leave bone in, this is structure, love, flavor, surprise,

cook for another hour,

turn off heat,

let it sit for half an hour,

cry a few tears of joy, and mix them thoroughly.


-MAS




Pull that sunshine out your pocket,

when you flexing for Natasha.

-MAS