#nine barks

where did you come, really? what was that place like? how long were you there? who had you first; who were they? were you fulfilled? were you someone's favorite thing? why did they give you up? what stories do you have that i'll never really know? how long were you in between? what do you think now? do you miss anything at all?

do you know you're wanted? that you have a place here now as long as possible? do you know you're loved?

gently running your fingers along the spine, the way the pages get softer, how paperbacks warp and age, the smell of a new book, writing notes in margins and dog ear-ing for keeping your place; carrying them everywhere, constant companions on your nightstand or in your bag or under a arm. how they carry our stories.

[Poem inspired by another/a song that used the titular line 'good morning objectophile'.]

good morning objectophile

roll over and out of your bed

pick up your lover from the floor

kiss the top of its head

good morning objectophile

do you hear the roar of planes up high?

saying hello, saying I exist you do too

saying if you wanted we could just fly

good morning objectophile

run your hands over the mechanical keys

steady your breathing

go weak at the knees

good morning objectophile

do you feel the pulse in all things' existence?

if you look, listen, it's there

and so obvious in lovely insistence

good morning objectophile

standing alone in the dark of pre dawn

feel the burr in your chest

and your confidence gone

good morning objectophile

do you know you're not ever alone?

be it objects or others like you --

the way you love is not on your own

good morning objectophile

square your shoulders, inhale hard

this world is cruel, but for you and yours

the connection remains unmarred

good morning objectophile

do you sense the rise in it all?

open the window, look out at the sky

the world breathes out; you hear its call

good morning objectophile

make breakfast, head out the door

one last fond gesture to your partner

We need more diversity in the damn tag and I am finally ready to do it myself.

Watch out everyone, I'm gonna be gay about plushies, books, outerwear, trading cards, and probably more. AND YOU ALL ARE GONNA LIKE IT. A LOT!