Emo Kirk

Loving is an ordinary act
like running bath water
or cutting green blades of grass.
These feelings can lead to more—
a towering explosion of ice.

There are arms wrapped in lace,
and rose petals on sleeping eyes.

I am going insane with rage.

I’ll love you—
hurl myself down 1000 flights.
I’ll love you—
fling myself in great light.

I won’t let go-
pull your head underwater.
We’ll see starfish, glowfish,
and long, electric eels.

Kissing is an ordinary act
like paint peeling or blood clotting.
Ash falls after war.
It blankets what remains.

I’ll kiss you—
wash your hair, your hands, and your feet;
I’ll live for you and your low voice of love
and for you I’ll be and be and be.

Kissing is an ordinary act
like living and breathing and dying alone.
Love eats from the inside out,
taking its time to inhibit what would otherwise heal.

I’ll walk alone, never look back.
I’ll sing loudly, scream and shout.
I’ll die for you, your touch, your words.
I’ll die for you, the chance to be eaten alive,
even if it means I’ll die alone,
even if it means I’ll never heal.

Love will eat me alive.

August 28- The Weekly Geography of My Life

The Mountain: What a long week this has been! The new school year is in full blast and it feels as if I am already struggling to stay afloat. The highlight of this week was seeing several of my former students stop by before heading off or going back to college. Candaice, Krystal, Maryann, Tiffany, Elizabeth, Mitchell, and Imari all made my week a little better! One of the greatest rewards of being a teacher is seeing your former students well-prepared for college.

The Valley:
Atlanta has had some sporadic weather this week. Wednesday-Sunday- Each day bore witness to some blisteringly hot days that burst forth with torrential downpours. And to think Oklahoma Republican Senator James Inhofe says global warming is a hoax.

This week:I am reading: American Pastoral by Philip Roth
An American classic!
I am listening to: Cartel’s self-title new album!I am watching: Yeah, still Top Chef (Go Hung- especially since Tre’s gone!)I am ready for next week because: It’s a four day work week and I need a nap… a really long one!

Back in the day when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore...

17 August 2007- The Weekly Geography of my Life

August 17- The Weekly Geography of My Life
The Mountain- With two weeks well into the school year, I am finally able to steal some time to myself and do what I love the most- write. It’s sad that I don’t force more time for my own personal intellectual pursuits. This academic year, my personal goal is to make more personal time. The highlight of this week has been my essay writing, or perhaps essay grading, productivity. I have evaluated a grand total of 322 student essays in the past two weeks. I know it seems insane, but this year I have actually used my planning period and early morning arrivals to work to grade essays. This year my policy is to return all student writing within 48 hours. Thus far, it has been 24 hours on each piece of writing. It is my sincere belief that students need in-depth, extensive feedback on their writing in order to truly improve and that students only truly heed writing feedback when it is timely and when they are forced to evaluate the writing and how it has been assessed.

The Valley- Alas, morale at my school seems low. Many of my colleagues are in a funk and it seems hard to get people excited about a new year. The air is out in most of the building (yes, I know, it’s one hundred degrees out) and we are under new leadership. My morale is high because I have some really great kids, but I feel for my peers.

This week:
I am reading: The Nubian Prince by Juan Bonilla
The novel is solid so far. I am not knocked off my feet, but the novel is a translation. I am sure it is probably better in its native tongue. About a man who works recruiting escorts for the world’s most expensive escort service, the protagonist, Moises Froissard thinks he is saving lives. The novel explores some complex inner conflicts and the true results of many good intentions.
I am listening to: Common’s Finding Forever
I am watching: Top Chef (Go Hung!)

I am ready for next week because: I am ready for some football! Our high school’s first game is against our biggest county rivals, Dutchtown, and the energy is always high for the first game.