This post was originally titled "Poems about boys". Then I thought that was too racy and also inaccurate. So I changed it.
There are two poems, both inspired by - but not actually about - boys. But this is poetry, after all, so who am I to tell you what my poems are "actually" about?
If you're still interested in my attempts at creative writing, please read on ...
I once went on a date where I was asked to read some poetry aloud. It was one of the most awkward things I've ever had to do.
Reading out somebody else's poetry was intimate in all the wrong ways.
The opposite of vertigo
Is your wings poised for flight
and your feet stuck in cement;
Is the skyward pull that makes
you ill to be on the ground.
Gravity versus your dreams.
The opposite of vertigo
Is conversations about the weather
and getting angry at traffic;
Is display windows taunting you
with things that won’t make you happy.
You can see right through them.
From the pit of your stomach
to the tip of your tongue
the air here’s thick,
swallows up inspiration.
The opposite of vertigo
Is the sickening sensation of settling;
Is being shackled when you should be airborne.
The opposite of vertigo
Is the curse of those who come down from altitude;
Is the Icarus in you and me.