Poems by Jen Lindley

Revenge

Ah, revenge
it's supposed to
feel sweet
so how come
I don't feel much of anything?
Rumor has it
getting even is great
So how come
it seems
like such a waste
of something that could
have been something more
And I guess it's time
to close the door
on you
Not great
not sweet
just a little bit sad
Ah, revenge.

Gemini

I was born a Gemini
And I know my evil "twin"
She's sly and self protective
She's underneath my skin
Though I prefer myself to her
She does not let me choose
She emerges from my consciousness
A dangerous young muse
She creeps along beside me
Refusing to be shaken
She knows that love's a risk
And that risks are not worth taking
She'll sacrifice her body
To protect her heart
And when truth comes up empty
She knows just where to start
I'm keeping her at bay for now
But I will never know
When it is she'll next arrive
Or which way she will go.

Henry

I don't write love poems
At least I never have
You changed me

Henry how is it you stay
So innocent and pure?

How did you escape
The jaded cynic's laugh
The truth
The lies
The world outside

Why is it you'd want my heart
So damaged and disturbed
Held together by the chains
I refused to undo

Henry I think
This poem sucks
But I've been missing you

I hope you never see this
But if one day you come across it
I hope you laugh
I hope you smile
But for god's sakes
Don't you frame it!

Mom

You drove away
in your shiny car
with less than a smile
But not quite a tear
I think it would be overstating
to assume that you actually cared
I tell myself it’s him
but I think maybe, it’s you
I thought once if I could
see what was under the veils
that were your eyes
I would find all the answers
And the answer is
there’s nothing there.