kokopelle: Black Cat (Cat - Black)
The poem “Ghosts of the Past" was inspired by Nikita Gill's quote “The ghosts of all the women you used to be are all proud of the who you have become.”


Ghosts of the Past

Ghosts of the past still exist
looking on with rapt intent
as the present evolves beyond
the constraints of prior resolve

impediments that once constrained
with inexperience surely blamed
for the struggles of the past
these hurdles spanned at last

perseverance against restraints
this was the struggle allowed by fate
now half remembered in the fog
as futures react to firm resolve

the shadows now far behind
applaud as if to remind
that life renews with every day
affirming spirit will find a way.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200125.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (Frank-n-Furter)
The poem “Forgive Me” was inspired by the quote “My world is so large I get lost in it. My vision is hard to sustain.” by Anais Nin.


Forgive Me

Forgive me if I'm overwhelmed
by a world that has no bounds
except those set by zealot fools
imagining limits are their tools

this is a right unto itself
until the measure is expressed
as the weave that must enclose
the whole beyond their control

those boxes made of dogma's thread
spun from fears and things they dread
perception chokes at these restraints
when reality's breath is at stake

containers set to hold a faith
exact a toil by their constraints
forgive me if I seek much more
there is a world to be explored.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200123.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
The poem “Those Roles” was inspired by a Tumblr posting that included the lines, “She was asked why she wouldn’t let him in…  the people closest to you, they expect you to star in that role for the rest of your life. ”


Those Roles

Roles are played to ease the pain
of actors and supporting cast
each with a role on the stage
wondering if it’s meant to last

just one scene and then the next
days extend beyond hindsight
wisdom lost where comfort dwells
decisions made to avoid a fight

the most close extend control
in the form of life deplored
seeking only to keep the hearts
enclosed in cages safe from harm

ascend to state the obvious
soliloquies cast to the crowd
this cast of thousands trapped within
those roles played to ease the pain.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20191203.
kokopelle: Black Cat (cat black)
The poem “Imagination Spawns” was inspired by the quote, “but you insist on seeing me as you imagined me, I’m not that person”, credited to the 1992 French film “A Heart in Winter”.


Imagination Spawns

Imagination spawns the doting hoax
ready to match desires bespoke
from the weave of rapt desires
disconnected from the now

seen in mirrors of the self
awareness spawn by experience
don't ask the gods for wisdom's boon
to move beyond knowing's doom

still the seamstress must persist
with harlequins as consequence
mocking truth with blind intent
to see the world without sight

these revelations of personhood
dressed up with no place to go
when expectations fail to view
the reality perceived by you.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20191104.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
The poem “Imperfect Mirror” is about judging oneself by the reactions of others. While this is highly imperfect, sometimes a person can be far enough outside the norm, defying conventional discernment, that others feedback is useful.


Imperfect Mirror

This imperfect mirror of other eyes
conveyed by actions and of words
presenting hints of identity
sent to those outside of me

these reflections of the source
offer hints unto themselves
that relevance may be found
beyond my own unseeing eye

with a blindness born of place
unable to see what life contrived
that sad assortment of good and bad
no longer knowing which die was cast

an arrange of a different sort
from the norm reflections cast
still I seek to meet their gaze
to see myself through telling sight.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190704.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
The poem “Wear the Masks” was very loosely inspired by the British science fiction supernatural horror miniseries “Residue”.


Wear the Masks

We wear the masks to appease
appetites most would deny
borrowed from the unseen
then yelled from the rooftops

all too real except it’s not
imaginations running wild
denying more than what’s shared
while explaining mysteries

feeding rats inside of wheels
running circles without repeal
they’ll not know the finish line
even as the world is blessed

invoked inside cloistered shells
tendrils take what they may
bending wills that are contrite
when revelation comes at a price

shadows taken from the wall
ghosts of what came before
revenants desiring blood
from the souls born of stones

those labels worn without regard
the flesh dissolves in the end
leaving nothing more than masks
stating purpose without regrets.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190321.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (Frank-n-Furter)
The poem “While I Stray” was based on the thought that everyone is loosely molded by society. It is the individual’s choice how to respond. I have amazing friends that stand as examples of how to live their own path. I hope to be an example to others.


While I Stray

Society will have its say
nudging with a plan in mind
conjecture based on habit’s bane
away from where I’d like to be
placing options along the way
that range between two extremes
when something else is my choice
as acceptable by my decree

suggestions set as a trap
with no warning clearly seen
this is the start for what’s beyond
nothing more and nothing less
except for those who ask for more
deviate from the plotted course
seeing love for what was meant
the best put forward is still wrong

the mold is set by the gods
with hints applied at time of birth
the whole of earth is their domain
with set choices as consequence
it’s from this place I’ll fly away
with the hints put in place
how I could be if I had stayed
foundation kept while I stray.

2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190223.
kokopelle: Black Cat (Cat - Black)
The poem “The Sun May Shine” is a glancing look at identity.


The Sun May Shine

A desire is enough
to set identity to a course
even though the journey’s end
defies the place it all began

while the clock asks no due
the start and stop are fluid
neither set for the whole
instead the traveler has their own

defying milestones on the path
stones erected in the past
become the lies for the self
even as their truth prevails

integrity is then transformed
as a need leads the way
with no regret in the now
what the sun may shine upon.

2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190222.
kokopelle: Horse Totem (Default)
The poem “In the Teeth” was prompted by a sign and arrow pointing to an Earth arrayed next to the larger siblings of our Solar System.


In the Teeth

Perhaps the gods had a say
hearing mortal’s mournful bray
echoed in at the giant’s feet
these specs of dust now uncontrite

assuming purpose where there is none
shake a fist to be heard
still the mortals raise a chant
shattering nothing except themselves

upon the rocks of hubris
by avenues of power’s grace
creation asks for nothing less
than for man to reside within

this expectation rules supreme
stamped in gold upon the page
saying nothing in response
cast to whimper in echoes' face

to a cosmos that cares not
arraying outcomes that are denied
when the winds begin to blow
a deeper silence is then heard.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20181108.
kokopelle: Black Cat (Cat - Black)
The poem “The Approved” is about the fateful day that cishet people come out of their respective closets. Cishet is an abbreviation of cisgendered heterosexual: a person that identifies as the sex they were born as and are attracted to the opposite.


The Approved

I remember that fateful day
when I came to the world
stating who I ‘m meant to be
with no doubt of circumstance
the world reacted with no shock
an exclamation that was approved
my statements rang upon their ears
expectations then confirmed

first I said I was a straight
orientation all should have
with desires that did not extend
beyond vanilla curds and whey
longing for the opposite
blessed by holy words inscribed
no confusion about the match
with the slotted plumbing bits

then I said I was a cis
knowing gender was ascribed
by the lady or the lad
with nothing else to be had
identity was sanctified
by the stamp of Eden’s dawn
lasting after tainted fall
binary will carry on

duality has been disclosed
bared to a world that does not care
when the expected is exposed
instead of horrors outside the curve
the normative was my groove
if only all could feel the same
they should take the same risk
to come out as the approved.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20181013.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
The poem “Simulacrum” is about presenting yourself to the world.


Simulacrum

Simulacrum
is my state
representation
of a real thing

an imitation
that may confuse
in a good way
yet still abuse

the hopeful souls
desiring labors
borne of truths
while I spin tales

this effigy
of an actual man.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180827.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
A busy schedule, and the need to sleep, conspired together to keep me from posting on a particular day. The solution? I bookmarked the topic in my mind and then wrote a poem the next day. I suppose it was worth the wait as the poem had a lot to say!


The Road I’ll Show

I drew the map to reveal
consequence of the years
representing the result
of a track across strange lands
look to the dustbin of the past
to see the sketch I put aside
now the diagram fully accounts
for the blend that is my own

the journey seemed per-ordained
tradition asked for its due
requested template as a plan
the rails were laid by others’ hands
this declaration instructed me
a legend asking acquiesce
to the standards forever set
for the bearings and self hood

the north arrow pointed up
orientation normalized
towards the heavens of the saints
the forefather’s high mandate
there were rebels offering choice
on the sidelines of path well worn
I turned the pointer to instruct
the choice made for some of both

the citations came through chants
mantras stated once a week
these obliged me to genuflect
explanations filled my head
I sought to state another course
the source achieved through Ram Dass
look to the East instead of West
if you seek my religious source

the last came in latter years
a title put to gender’s stamp
the binary giving ground
relenting under dreams’ advance
direction took a turning twist
yet there I found my destiny
not without company
the map complete in its remake

now you see the end result
though large parts are still blank
discovery will by my guide
to pen the rest before I die
complete with notes scribbled in
‘there be monsters lurking there’
I’ll not worry because I know
the journey is the road I’ll show.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180623.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
The poem “Scratching Whispers” is dedicated to Linda and others like them.


Scratching Whispers

I wrote Linda a poem or two
to give assurance of support
knowing that kindly word
would help another day unfold
these characters put down to page
assurance given they're not alone
company joined across the world
a web of letters to show my love

more than a nod when I pass
instead a hug to show I care
when a life is twisted round
loneliness must be put aside
this I knew was the wish
still I held the trembling hand
knowing what a world proclaimed
outside walls that kept them safe

sympathy for the shadowed ones
discovery struggling once apart
is pulled within to affirm the choice
identity granted with due thought
against a dimness that concealed
verity pushing to fly free
the half-light suited them
living small while wishing large

expressing wishes for an outcome
a world befitting Linda's needs
we'll discover this en masses
scratching whispers to my heart
to that end I’ll close this poem
add it to the rest of them
Linda hear my fervent wish
come to the light to be revered.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180620.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (Frank-n-Furter)
Sometimes people change their names. This is done for many reasons. The poem “Like the Rest” is about the struggle of the trans person to find their name.


Like the Rest

It’s a name like the rest
label meant to mark the love
from a family at my birth
now cast to doubt in discontent
bequeathed at birth as an event
put to page as a statement
of the soul to manifest
beyond the time of diapers worn

line in the sand to nominate
what’s bequeathed by the frame
conventional is put aside
when parents gaze on baby’s form
shape as a template offering par
against the breadth of typical
the plausible no longer rules
as spectrums cross to confuse

revelation measures faith
connection to the tag assigned
then the gap is realized
sanity doubted in the routine
gender mixed with desire’s stance
these realized by all kinds
normality seeks to have a say
when the babe finds their way

dysphoria provides a clue
the mold assigned is not enough
irrespective of desire
identity is relevant
transformation is the response
seeking truth by syllables
finding self through new letters
now the name is like the rest.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180604.
kokopelle: Horse Totem (Default)
The poem “Outside of Rote” is about finding the true self. The ‘rote’ of the title refers to the repetition of a false self-acquired through the normative expectations of a larger world.


Outside of Rote

I see the cart proceed the horse
the rote of role dictating all
with scant room to express
identity born outside the path
asking for a remedy
what came before is not the dream
instead I look beyond to see
what lays beyond the ramparts rent.

Don’t mind the walls tumbling down
they served a purpose that’s now gone
in the rubble a flower grows
retrieving beauty from turmoil
the straight and narrow was their goal
those constructions of family
society and the good of all
manacles bound against my soul.

I’ve only wrecked my precious world
ruin is a word too harsh
‘realized’ is appropo
for the outcome I’ll now embrace
all the stones will be retrieved
then put in rows that fit the plan
of a life that’s been transformed
to echo maps found within.

You’re left with realms of your own
though I may hint a larger scope
perhaps you’ll sense resonance
so be this gift of rapport
the cart may lead the sad horse
this is the way before we bloom
don’t fear exchange as the balm
you’ll find yourself outside of rote.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180428.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (Frank-n-Furter)
“Actions Taken” is a poem that examines my relationship to tattoos. I respect those who pursue tattoos. They don’t fit my life for the reasons I share.


Actions Taken

Don’t apply the fixed ink
to my skin as a statement
because one day I’ll regret
actions taken fixed in time
that’s the rub of my thoughts
I’ve changing far too much
with my skin as scant space
to illustrate the breadth of life

first consider how I flex
coming out as I am
realization of the shade
brought sight in the light
learning more through decades
discarding visions of past years
what once fit is now outgrown
evolving far to altered states

this tidal wave born of age
seeks to find expression’s page
a place to draw or write a truth
expressed in volumes I can’t conceive
if each shift was a stamp
I’d be covered at my age
with imprints of needle’s point
skin would hide by pics merged

into this void I found a tool
avoiding dye put to flesh
still I must find a way
process history before it fades
ink to paper becomes my craft
molding nicely to my life
with the room I need to state
actions taken fixed in time.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180423.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
“Alien Girl” was partially inspired by a trailer for the movie “How to Talk to Girls at Parties”. The film is a sci-fi tale about a punk rocker who falls for a beautiful alien girl in 1970s London.


Alien Girl

I fell in love with an alien girl
a fair outlander found my heart
while I searched for certainty
of who I was or could be
less than human and so much more
a fair resemblance in the flesh
her paradigm of loveliness
inspired the same in my core

normality was not her strength
this was precious in relevance
as I searched the high heavens
for the parts once well hid
proximity brought me down to earth
then launched me far into space
confirming what I knew at heart
I belonged between the spheres

now I’ve joined the alien girl
crossing cosmos to find love
what I once thought was remote
resides inside to be unveiled
there I’ve found a kindred soul
the mirror echoes so much more
no longer lost in the woods
the self disclosed with rapport.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180405.
kokopelle: Black Cat (Cat - Black)
I’ve written a poem like “Into The Void” before. The sentiment still rings true for me.


Into The Void

I’ll take the costume from the shelf
the garments I’m supposed to wear
put them on to match the role
play the stranger to my soul

cloaked in robes that conceal
the truer person underneath
this disguise does its job
with a price that destroys

I’m the master at this game
knowing what I’m to say
nod the head, evoke the phrase
spouting lies to fill the space

murmurs state the holy words
catechisms now perverse
when the whisper deep inside
denies the dogma as a lie

prisoner in this straight jacket
tailor made to fit the frame
by prior perception of the crowd
exacting wishes made to mold

I’ll genuflect in response
state the words masses want
while I wither deep inside
slipping further into the void.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180319.
kokopelle: Horse Totem (Default)
Ruth Negga is credited with the statement, “You become an actor, some people do, not everybody, to hide and disappear and I worry sometimes, ‘Gosh, doing this circuit, as they call it, is very much presenting yourself to the world’, and that can be a little intimidating for actors who basically like to hide.” This really struck a chord in me. Sometimes I take for granted that artistic expression will be used to explain aspects of the artist. This is not always the case. Extend Ruth’s characterization of “actor” to “writer” and then to “blogger”. Social media is an avenue for either revealing the self or hiding the self behind a screen of bland mutterings or disingenuous cheerfulness. My poem “Binding Words” examines the path of a person hiding in their expression. The stanzas demonstrate the price that’s paid in the effort.

Binding Words

I’ll hide behind these binding words
make pretend I’m something else
a shadow of the inner mind
heart and soul concealed in prose

deceit is not my base intent
when shame states its desire
wishing nothing to deface
perception based on purity

blessings showered from above
nothing ill has occurred
this will be the message sent
when honesty has been replaced

this temptation does exist
it’s not lying to remit
all the pain felt within
to only show the shiny bits

I’ll chain the muse to my will
deny it breadth of my self
scratching only joy and bliss
in prosaic latitudes

presentation is obscured
with only best brought forward
my defense cloaks the hurt
a wounded person binding words

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180318.
kokopelle: Frank n Furter (frank_n_furter)
"Mirrors Broken" is a poem about personal identity and the reality of the world not reflecting the same.


Mirrors Broken

The mirror asks a question everyday
at dawn's light or edge of dusk
who is this one that looks back
the stranger seen but not recognized?

foreigner to my native land
even as the prison looms
surrounding all that defines me
spouting lies on it’s smooth face

the surface has no defect
all the echoes seem too true
yet still reality is disturbed
by the sham standing there

now the within asks to be viewed
by a mirror not made by man
instead the surrogate is conceived
from the pieces inside of me

it’s imperfect in your eyes
yet it’s closer to how I’d like
my world to form around a core
all too different from before

the new view will be true
even as the world protests
mirrors broken to free the soul
a faithful view is brought forth.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180307.

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