Kurt Philip Behm

The Tradeoff (+1)

I was perfectly happy,

a singular chime

 

I was perfectly happy,

alone in my mind

 

I was perfectly happy,

my world underscored

 

I was perfectly happy,

my feelings secure

 

I was perfectly happy,

adrift in my world

 

I was perfectly happy,

no feeling’s unfurled

 

I was perfectly happy,

till one fateful day

 

Now misery haunts me

—in love I must stay

 

(West Philadelphia: June, 2018)

 

 

Present Perfect

 

You may not cross the darkness,

the morning light unfound

 

The promise of tomorrow

—today is shining proud

 

(Villanova Pennsylvania: October, 2020)