

flame, what do you owe the spark that rose to raise you from the night?
you take and take; you never burn the same as what you set alight

god, let me be the more loving one for once, the one left wanting
more, not the one compromising what i have for what i'm waiting for

what do fields expect from clouds condensing vapor into rain?
i only do what i was made to - weren't you meant to do the same?

your short skirt, your smoke signal, · · · — — — · · ·
if you won't flirt, then don't smile; everyone will say you're asking for it

(see www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15550)


Song For Auden

there's nothing you can do. i think the body is an ark. i think i pretend not to think i deserve things. i think i pretend that i'm worthless so if i'm hated i can say i know and i told you so and that makes two but there's nothing you can do because i'm me and you're -

butterfly net i'll cut you open down to your neck i'll bet you're broken to let loose the monarch kept under your collar and i'll be your preacher your profligate daughter.

i'm free when i'm least in the litter of beasts and i'm free when i'm least loved of all. so don't tell me you want i've no want to be wanted i want like the sea wants a sinkful of water to drink me dilute me oh mercy run through me and i'll ruin you.

hospital bed i'll place your pillow to cover your head the rest is simple. do you believe in honor? be honest you'd rather just get it all over when no one is watching.

i'm free when i'm least in the litter of beasts and i'm free when i'm least loved of all. so don't fight for my favor i don't want repayment i want like the weather wants seasons to change so just trust me i'm happy just tell me you won't ask me.


Waste

come quiet or you'll wake your parents
they're the ones who called me in
to fix the son the world has broken

sign here before i lose my patience
sure i know you know your rights
but is it right to keep me waiting

all night with your misbehaving
didn't anybody tell you
where you're going you won't need to
pack your bags or remember your name

oh christopher just wait
and when you wake you won't be the same

blindfold yr books
they've been lying about who's in charge
it's the man who writes them
the man in the stars

you'll be free only
when he instructs me
"here is one who's fit to run
the generations yet to come
of children we can train to carry guns"
and with each passing day
you're well on your way
by the time you leave here you'll be sane

and there are no heroes
they died or were forgotten
long ago before your birth
and their death barely made a stir

but i'll make sure
you are remembered
love but fear will take you further
make this fist and say these words
and if you don't
then what is your life worth?
so if we make you hurt
it's because we love you christopher

-
for matthew behling

Christopher

it came in through my window and held me down until i could not breathe i was open but it closed me and kept me away from sleep and it didn't leave a stain or a scent on my sheets i'm not a writer she said i just write down the things they put into my head when i'm dreaming of lights in the sky they drill into my eyes just to give me a fright i'm not frightened of anything have you seen my collection you're in it i'm close to perfecting your eyelids and you've got real tear ducts to cry with if you're frightened but i don't believe you'll need them with me

Safe House

Bottomfeeder

Shoulderblades is an amplified bedroom currently based in Portland, OR.

Annelyse - guitar, vocals
Terry - bass
Dave - drums

Contact us at shoulderbladesmusic@gmail.com.