Dulcimer @MidwestMatt

I called her ‘California’

we were seventeen

the innocent way

she toted her dulcimer,

sang 'til her soul leaked,

spoke to me

became my mantra

her brown hair,

like coffee with

a streak of cream,

swayed as she danced

only for me.

One or two

too many

whiskey bottles drained

songs silenced,

steel strings wilted,

a lily, poisoned

years blurred, ran

like paints uncontrolled,

spilled on the street.

One shot

our Hail Mary,

bottles tossed

rehab staff

twelve weeks apart

fights forgotten

our fingertips touch,

and I hand her

the dulcimer

her tears splash

the black walnut

as she strums a chord,

trying

Name: Matthew N. Greenwell

Place of residence: Indiana, U.S.

Your favourite quote: "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the Bible says love your enemy." Frank Sinatra

Your one wish for the world: I wish everyone could enjoy the serenity, sanity, and solace that comes with giving up prejudices, blame, and anger.

Where can we find out more about you:

@MidwestMatt

A small bio about you:

I'm the youngest of 7 in a close-knit family. My parents grew up during the Great Depression and worked hard. For a while they ran a local restaurant (comfort food grill.) They were very loving. Maybe that's why I went for a Master's in Counseling Psychology, wanting to help others. I did that for 10 years, working mainly with children and families, until health issues got their claws in me. After a successful kidney transplant in 2017, I'm feeling better and thoroughly enjoying life. I love meeting new people, especially writers, and I tend to write poetry, short stories, or novels in any genre. I'm a big a music and film buff. I have a brilliant daughter in high school, and we enjoy our fluffy orange tabby, Chaz.