Real

You wouldn't go for a virtual walk, now,
Would you? 

You wouldn't partake of a virtual meal,

Would you?

You wouldn't be someone you're not, now,

Would you?

You wouldn't settle for something less than real,

Would you?

Then again, you could sit there

And scroll, and type, and wonder why

Your life is going nowhere.

Can you tell the difference

Between real and artificial?

Is it safe enough behind that lonely screen?

Does your friendship make sense?

Is it mutually beneficial?

Wouldn't you rather be known, be touched, be seen

As you really are? No pretensions:

All your flaws, facets and dimensions.

Just power off for a while; you're aloud to.

Do it.

Get to know the world within and around you.

Do it.

If you spend your life living in a box you'll

Get stuck.

The things you long to do and see await you.

Good luck.

Then again, you could sit there

And scroll, and type, and wonder why

Your life is going nowhere.

Can you tell the difference

Between real and artificial?

Is it safe enough behind that lonely screen?

Does it even make sense?

Is it mutually beneficial?

Wouldn't you rather be known, be touched, be seen

As you really are? No pretensions:

All your flaws, facets and dimensions.

You wouldn't settle for something less than real,

Would you?

David Acosta © 2025

You'll Look Stunning in Love

Love is the look you need; you'll feel brand new.

You'll never know unless it's hugging you.

You doubt it, I see;

But listen to me: 

Don't expect a swanky, tailored suit;

In this world you'll find no substitute.

You'll look stunning in love.

No need for ostentatious haute couture;

And never mind that fancy manicure.

You'll look lovely in love.

It far surpasses chic—take it from me:

You were born to sport it stunningly.

Love is a fabric that will never fade,

A sturdy garb by light sublime inlaid.

You need not be sad;

Be winningly clad

In this love—why don't you try it on

And reflect the beauty of the Son?

You'll look stunning in love.

No need for ostentatious haute couture

Or chasing trippy trends that won't endure.

You'll look lovely in love.

Better than chic, take it from me:

You were born to sport it stunningly.

Love is not a fad; it's here to stay.

Fashionistas? What do they even know?

Loveless outfits are so yesterday;

Eons from now, love will still steal the show.

You'll look stunning in love.

No need for ostentatious haute couture

Or fussing over styles that won't endure.

You'll look lovely in love.

Better than chic, take it from me:

You were born to sport it stunningly.

[repeat chorus]

David Acosta © 2025

A Psyche-Deli Dream

It was only a dream, but it felt so real:

I stepped into a floating psyche-deli,

Tempted by the spicy vermicelli.

A setting supreme! A magical meal!

But something in that creamy, rich cannoli

Lifted me and lowered me so slowly.

And I sailed to a harbor where past and present meet.

Rock 'n' roll was blasting from a chariot on the street.

I stopped at the amphitheater for a souvenir;

They served me Falernian wine when I asked for beer.

It was only a dream, but it felt so real;

I felt so at home in that psyche-deli.

It triggered happy noises in my belly.

A setting supreme! A magical meal!

But something in that creamy, rich cannoli

Lifted me and lowered me so slowly.

On a day like any other day in ancient Pompeii
Vesuvius cooled its jets and pink-floyded away:
It floated like an isle into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It was an alternate version of 79 A.D.

[instrumental interlude]

It was only a dream, but it felt so real:

And guess who joined me in that psyche-deli?

Michelangelo and Machiavelli!

A setting supreme! A magical meal!

But something in that creamy, rich cannoli

Lifted me and lowered me so slowly.

And when the dream was finally done,

I heard someone say, "Leave the gun,

Take the connoli."

David Acosta © 2025

Dulce

Butter almond &
Carrot cake,
Tall double malt or
Mocha shake,
Mango sorbet,
Key lime pie,
Caramel sundae--
Hear me sigh!

Lemon and lime squares,
Marzipan,
Cannoli, éclairs,
Cuban flan,
Snickerdoodles,
Crème brûlée,
Pastelitos
Con café!

I must admit
They're hard to resist;
But still, I think
I'd rather be kissed.

So, smother me with your kisses;
Call me your honey bear.
Sugar is sweet, but this is
A much more enticing dare.
I'm ready to take a chance now;

Sweet love, you need not doubt.
I'll do as you please if you'll stay
And say you'll be my favorite. . .dulce.

Walnut fudge brownies,
Baklava,
Shortbread cookies,
Rugelah,
Hamantaschen,
Petit-fours,
Warm peach cobbler,
Gooey s'mores

Linzertorte squares,
Divinity,
Flambéed cherries

Jubilee,
Scones with jam and
Clotted cream,
Baked pears Alicia--
Why not dream?

I can't deny
They're hard to resist.
But I won't lie;
I'd rather be kissed.

So, smother me with your kisses;
Call me your honey bear.
Sugar is sweet, but this is
A much more enticing dare.
I'm ready to take a chance now;

Sweet love, you need not doubt.
I'll do as you please if you'll stay
And say you'll be my favorite. . .dulce.

Please, please;

Por favor. . .

Sweet love,

Dulce amor. . .

I'll do as you please if you'll stay
And say you'll be my favorite. . .dulce.

David Acosta © 2025