Listen to Me… (2025)

Roses bloom on fordham road,

I’m happy, but lately,

I’ve been having thoughts of my body

Being hugged tightly by fields of marigolds. 

It’s not because of the sudden weather change 

From hot to cold,

Or because I’m getting older

So I’m realizing that I have to take more control.

But because there are still many things 

That I go through 

That I’ve yet to tell you.

Like how I fear my feelings are too heavy to carry,

Let alone hold,

And when I’m lying in your arms

I can feel myself accidentally pulling you down.

However, I know how to swim, but in my waters,

I know you’ll drown,

And I just can’t be the one 

To take under another soul…

For I can’t even find,

Or slightly get to know my very own.

I beg of you, please, 

Just listen to me when I tell you

To stay clear of my waters,

Whether that be night or day,

Ignore the perfect weather for what you think would be

A beautiful beach day,

And please, when it storms,

Don’t try to chase the eye of the hurricane 

For it will lead you my way

And it’s not as peaceful as you may think,

It’s just the ocean’s way of tricking you

Into being swallowed by the riptides of me.

That’s why I beg of you to please

Stay clear of me in all

For my tropical cyclone will accidentally 

Leave you overthrown…

M.H. John