Like an outcast criminal
you throw stones at my side,
ending my hopes,
and slashing my pride.

Instantly guilty,
put into shame
You choke me to tears
and shoot me like game.

Like an unholy sinner-
cursed and to blame,
you laugh at my love
as if it isn't the same.

How hard can you stare,
How long can you mock
the times that I cry
and feelings I block?
.
For all that I've done,
For all that I loved-
I've been beaten and tortured,
punished and shoved.

For all that I've been,
the individual- I am-
I've been thwarted and hated,
unworthy and damned.

You can change me forever .
and teach me to lie,
you can hold me to promises
after I die-

but you never believe
or actually see
that the life that I've lived
has always been me.

How long can you hate,
if only you knew
that the person I am
is no different than you.

           " Untitled "

          Soundlessly sleeping in my arms
          unveiling your mask of innocence
          as I look upon your face.
          how did I ever fall into your embrace
          how did I ever fall in love?
          Speechlessly looking into your eyes
          as if I had nothing else to say
          and that my heart beat told it all.
          how did I ever fall into your glances and
          how did I ever fall in love?
          Motionlessly laying next to your warm
          and protecting body as the fire's crackling
          dark embers escape
          sighing,
          like your tender breath falling through the darkness.
          And I wonder
          Do you feel the same?
          And as I hold your chest from behind
          do you wonder
          how much affection
          is too much for a one-night stand.

Swan-lakes glistening in the glory of their golden-sunset waters
Under bridges of Venice, where richly tanned Italian men
Market their exotic priceless souvenirs in straw woven sombreros.
Memories engraved in the breezes, love chanted through the air -
Emancipating emotions as you walk down cobble-stoned street corners.
Rising are your hopes. Soaring are your dreams. As you linger in your
Desire for the one you love dearest. Holding onto friends in that one
Unforgettable silent evening of shooting stars and purple clouds.
Standing. Listening to the nameless rhythmic voices in your head as
Kindling fireflies go dancing in the wind.

                                                    Thomas Cristopher Yu