By Michael (My birthday present to you all)
Date: 4 June 2000

My damaged trinket

I offered you a damaged trinket
it was too shiny and hot,
blinding, consuming,
painful to watch

I offered you a damaged trinket
it was not grounded in real
we couldn't make it real
not enough wisdom
blaming, doubting
not enough time
crowding, choking
painful to live

I took your damaged trinket
sprinkled a lot of love
sprinkled a lot of anger
sprinkled a lot of pressure
painful to heal

You offered me an damaged trinket
for just a few days
for just a little while
you just let me borrow it
you can have it back now
painful to let go

He took your damaged trinket
sprinkled a little love
sprinkled a little patience
sprinkled a little time
pleasure to love

I offered you a old new trinket
i thought you were asking me for it
in a careless whisper
to ears tired of listening
listening for your voice
painful to hear

I offered you a old new trinket
I was trying to tell you
trying to make you see
that my trinket isn't damaged anymore
trying so hard
I broke it again
painful to watch

I offered you an old new trinket
thinking it was strong enough
thinking it was repaired
I guess I didn't do a good enough job
maybe
like a sword
once broken
it can never be repaired
maybe not ever
painful to remember

You offer me an undamaged trinket
it's not the kind you live with
it's not the kind you claim ownership of
it's not the kind you keep forever
pleasure to have

I offer you both another trinket
I'm trying to show you
trying to help you see
that my trinket isn't barbed
trying so hard
It's sharp to the touch
painful to hold

I hope you have thick skin. I can be abrasive when I feel like it.

I wonder who wants this other trinket I have.
It's so beautiful.
Maybe I can wrap it in paper.
I have a gift to give.
It's a steal of a deal at any price.
Paper is probably the best wrapping.

I hope this paper is as tough as I think. My love is heavy. I don't want to tear anyone up.
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