A Poem: Thank you for the Safe Place

I meant it when I said

I must’ve done something right

because I’m here with you tonight. 

I must’ve been meant to be here

exploring and being free of fear

to be myself in my true form

without any pressure to conform

you took me in like I was one of you

you loved me, hugged me and fed me too. 

You gave me a safe place

and you took me into space

with thoughts and ideas

using wit and taste. 

I could say what I felt

as radical and unconventional as I can be

but you know what I was talkin’ ’bout and let me be free

no arguing, no fighting – even no compromising. 

I haven’t felt like this in so long its inspiring. 

The laughter was healing

and I’m left with this feeling

that I’m really not alone

and I’m getting back into the zone. 

it’s great to be around people like you

you’re one in a million

of the brave souls that are true. 

Thank you for everything

I mean that in the truest sense

I know I can count on you

my new like-minded friends.

Portland – Gotta Love it!

Ashley and I arrived a couple of days ago and I am absolutely diggin on Portland. The feel here is relaxed, green and seemingly full of love. Had the chance to hit up a couple of venues run by the McMenamin brothers – the Kennedy School (an old elementary school transformed into a pub and entertainment venue including a soaking tub, restaurants & bars featuring their own specialty brews and wines… delightful). Last night walked over to the Bagdad Theater (a short walk from Ash’s new place here in Hawthorne) to watch a Woody Allen film for three bucks while drinking a local IPA and snacking on a tuna sandwich on the balcony of the theater while sitting in a loveseat… awesome idea, chill and unbeatable so far…

Still have a few more days here and will try my best to soak it up… my writing has gotten exponentially more intense and real since I arrived which feels cathartic (misspelled?) and healthy.

Lots of love from Oregon.