My Schoolyard Sweetheart

I miss you.

My schoolyard sweetheart.
So many years we spent hand in hand. I was your favorite. Everyone knew it. If we walked into a room together it was like all lights and eyes were on us. People on the street used to acknowledge our bond.
We were supposed to change the world together. Do you remember that? I was destined to be better than your ex. Even though I knew that everyone would forever compare me to him. But that was a burden that I was more than willing to carry.

Our first kiss was like magic. Even though it left me with a sore throat.
Every date we had went to second base. Sometimes even more than that.
Remember how we used to love to go to the carnival? We could ride the carousel for hours.
Trips across the country together. Those were the days.
Oh, and that one time at the park. With the Dalmatian. I know you remember that.
Do you remember that one big storm when we sat in the house for hours?
And once that was washed up we ran to the beach to watch the sunset. That one night felt like years.

But that night didn't last as long as we thought it would, did it?

I told you that I had to go away for college. It was really important to me. You promised that you would be here when I got back.
But I knew that things were different when I would go back for visits.
You started to lock your eyes on someone knew. Is he better than me? No. Not even close. But what can I do? In your eyes I chose education over you.

Do you hate me now?

At times you make me question those decisions that I made. But in my heart I know that what I did was right. I didn't turn my back on you. You turned your back on me! I'm still the same man. In fact, I'm an even better man than I was then.

One day you'll remember. One day we'll be back to where we were. But this time I know to be cautious with you. I must act fast at a slow pace.

Do you remember me yet?


Live, love & learn!
-The King

Acid Tears

A tear falls from the back of my eye into the throbbing enclosure that is my skull. A tear that is invisible to the world, yet I can still taste its saltiness.
On the outside I must conceal this pain. My face is the face that must be looked to for reassurance. I am the support behind the tumbling wall.

But I am the skyscraper with shaky foundation.

Don't lean too hard; I just might fall over. Or I may crumble inwards like a termite infested maple beam.
I am a newspaper from the 1920s... in 2010. At a glance I offer everything that you need. But handle with a delicate touch. Too tight of a grasp is sure to shatter my tainted texture. Leaving nothing but the hardened edges that naturally evolved for self preservation.
Quite the useless evolution, seeing as how I am only protected from forces weaker than I.

The tear inside of me makes its way down my body. Burning its path down my chest and through my heart. As it reaches my stomach I can feel my core tighten and begin to heave. I look around for my way of release but all I can see is the shadows. I'm lost in the darkness of a glass room in the daytime. All around me, candles lit. But I still need a light switch. I know that there is a glorious glow cast upon me. By why can't I see it?

My mind is as scattered as the very words I am currently speaking. My thoughts are filled with articulated nonsense. Poetic gibberish.

The tear makes it way through my legs causing me to buckle at the knees. I drop to the floor in a thunderous motion as if a plane flew into my sternum.

As I lie there, curled like a fetus, insides scarred from the molten tears, I raise my right hand and pound it into the floor. Pound until I break through the glass bottom. Just then a recognizable hand from above grabs me and lifts me onto my feet.
That's my hand.
I am my own strength. I can never get back up if I am not ready to.

I am ready.

I take my first step towards the luminescent panes in front of me. I will be the strength that everyone needs. I will be the strength that I need.

But first, I need to stop crying.


Live, love & learn!
-The King