Poets logo

i hold the matches

minus one

By ⸘jason alan‽Published 6 months ago Updated 6 months ago 1 min read
AI Generated Image - Meta AI

memories behind plywood, broken glass, and chain-link

a cage, to define what is inside relative to the world

providing certainty and detailed meaning

one-sided expectancy, observing a holiday but withholding its honor

men becoming monsters fighting monsters who were men once

unaware of humility on the verge of denial

existence in a vacuum, lost in space, and wishing for time in surplus

never spending it wisely

excessively earning deficits for someone else to pay

forever waiting for eternity and yesterday

prone to check the references and keep receipts

a habit of conditions for agreements that no longer serve me

comfort comes afforded by routine, discipline, and daring to have a dream

moonlighting, from macabre to duplicitous

innocence marauded by the mentality of a mob

living for bogies and bullseyes

from opposite sides of a widening bisectual chasm

sharing only eye contact

and the intimate warmth from the burning bridge between us

i hold the matches, minus one

in his hands, the empty jug of gasoline

artFamilyFilthyFree VerseFriendshipGratitudeheartbreakinspirationallove poemsMental Healthnature poetryperformance poetryProsesocial commentaryStream of Consciousnesssurreal poetrysad poetryRequest Feedback

About the Creator

⸘jason alan‽

:::WARNING:::

i am only responsible for what i say,

not for what you understand.

you may learn to be charmed by my [secret‽] discontent,

or you may not.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.