R.M. Dolin Blog Posts
Every Tragedy Has a Villain, December 27, 2024
I miss the sound of Sun,
the soft solitude of singing
as shadows
joyfully follow my soul.
I miss Wind and the way
I’ll wander without
the weight of worry
because I’m allowed to pardon
my faux paus.
READ POEM
Darkness In Our Distance, December 22, 2024
My greatest fear is
letting you have
my heart to break.
A part of me believes
love can only freely exist when
two people agree
not to fall in love.
The rest of me wonders
why we’re so damn convinced
purpose really matters.
READ POEM
Subtlety of Sunday, December 12, 2024
The subtlety of Sunday lays in the
sudden way the carelessness of life
we so conspicuously consume
cascades in consequences
that can no longer be ignored.
That’s how we’re wired.
I see in you
the reflection I want to see in me
while avoiding all those realities
making you
someone who should have been
but can never be.
READ POEM
When We Meet, December 3, 2024
There’s a freedom in late at night writing
knowing you won’t respond.
My unedited thoughts flow through
tomorrow as I wait for the plane
taking me to you
that’s once more been delayed.
Your straight-line smile
as I open the door. The tender way
my fingers flow through strands
of hair hiding your hesitant eyes.
The reticent way you reveal your story.
READ POEM
Silhouetted Sadness, September 12, 2024
Do not mistake my silence for
surrender when it is my one defense.
Don’t misread my need for
Mediterranean wind to mediate
my motorcycle as it weaves along
the Italian coast in avenues of escape
masquerading as adventure.
READ POEM
Darkness of Our Distance, August 25, 2024
Not seeing things for what they are
has always been my Waterloo.
Just as keeping my heart from hearing
the wisdom of wind, from feeling
the abject coldness she carries,
causes me to disregard her
lessons on being in love
with someone who doesn’t love me.
READ POEM
Love Locks, June 6, 2024
Love locks sparkle in solidarity
with del Sol setting before Eiffel’s tower,
reassuring hearts in need
of cliche gestures and other
nonsensical elements of love
that affinity to romance
is still possible. READ POEM
Tu verses Vous, April 17, 2024
Chapter 8 from the R.M. Dolin novel “The Dangling Conversation,” Kyle talks about his struggle to become a priority in Nadia’s life. He tells the story of the regrettable night his frustration at having to hide their relationship boils over. Meanwhile, Isabelle works through understanding Henry’s unhealthy relationship with his Ex. Both Kyle and Isabelle realize the emotion they’re really dealing with is jealousy. READ CHAPTER
I Came to Paris, April 10, 2024
After things blew up,
I came to Paris convinced
this was my last visit.
How can I wander these streets
filled with memories
of what once was?
It doesn’t seem possible
cobblestones can support me,
yet there’s something about
them that settles my soul,
draws me into believing
I can come back. READ POEM
Strangers in the Night, March 17, 2024
Chapter 1 from the R.M. Dolin novel “The Dangling Conversation,” about two strangers on a park bench: each at different convergence points in their life. While Kyle looks back on his relationship with Nadia, hopeful it can be re-inspired, Isabelle leans into her relationship with Henry; the man who could potentially vanquish her insecurities. READ CHAPTER
Dulcinea, February 14, 2024
I’m a hapless romantic
with tenuous tethers to reality
who fantasizes about finishing at Roubaix
exhausted, muddied, and worn,
but joyfully happy to see you waiting
in your blue dress holding
a single white rose
and a soft tender smile.
READ POEM
Cycling on Smiles, February 12, 2024
It’s a silly simple bike
I bought used at that shop
on the edge of town during
my second visit to Versailles,
but I do so love it.
Memories get carried on
it’s glossy gray frame
that only has space for smiles.
I’m transported to that cloudy afternoon
we picnicked in the nature park
where you worried we’d get
caught but never told me to stop,
READ POEM
Watershed Moment, February 5, 2024
I have to see you, hold
your tender hands, look
deeply into your soft eyes that cannot lie,
to know
it’s really over.
If not now, then when I’m in Paris
for the Roubaix Challenge,
which is currently in jeopardy.
READ POEM
Always Leaving Girl, January 21, 2024
Life’s inescapable truth, everything’s terminal,
fleeting at an accelerating rate of evaporation.
The best we can do is make it through unscathed
but in reality, we’re all damaged goods
doing our best to not wilt
and dither in high desert heat.
READ POEM
Comments are closed