Submitted by: Andrea Silverstein So DJ has started this wonderful group
Of kindred souls that are part of the troop It’s a wonderful format where we each get to speak And amazingly we meet every day of the week Our time on the puzzle is a unique and fun thing It helps to lessen the quarantine’s sting It enlivens my brain and brings social engagement Avoiding a potential insanity derangement I love knowing I’ll see the familiar kind faces As we log into Zoom and get into our places So I’m feeling quite grateful that this pleasure exists Though I have no idea how long this virus persists
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Submitted by: Anonymous All I had wanted to do was finish my calculus homework.
Because I had so much going on: Like prom and being class president and AP classes and college apps and dragging you across the parking lot, limp and lifeless, and somehow trying to explain to the nurse, that no, no, no it’s just the flu and that you didn’t fall out of my truck, or puke in the duff by the woods, and yes, please send him home. And you see I covered for you: and covered, and covered, and covered, until I couldn’t anymore. And I was so tired, because I had been waking up every day trying to save you. And you let us get caught. Don’t think I don’t see the blame in your eyes, glassed red and dazed purple at the edges, like that bruise on your arm, or the hasty gash on your shoulder, that you tried to convince me I could sew for you, in the bathroom by ourselves. I can’t stitch you back together, I can’t. Not when they’ve marked you. You cried that night too. I got scared because the wildness that I have loved about you, since I caught you climbing to the top of the fridge when you were three, was faded with an ashy edge like the smoke I let you wrap us in. How could you? For almost 7,000 days now it’s been my job to watch and make sure you’re okay. And yes, honey, I know. Rehab is hell, and this is my fault. I’ve always been the quieter one, the shadow to your spark. Which is maybe why you were so shocked And how could you how could you how could you I don’t know where that courage came from either, right in the middle of calculus homework. Submitted by: Joan Testori A house once stood there.
Now long grasses dance where children once played, Blueberry bushes mark the spot where love once lived. Now, all these memories are hidden from view. Once the house’s heart rang with the sound of children’s laughter, As it gathered the family into its embrace, Providing comfort and protection as the years quickly past. Yet as the years marched on the house’s soul wept in grief, As one by one all left its familiar shelter, Leaving its heart hurting and wounded. Then my grandmother left. Now only I know where that house once stood-- Or I think I do, As I drive slowly past. The house long ago lost its heart in a fire. The workplace up the road – the industry of my grandfather Lies among the trees and grass that swallowed up the sawdust and earth. There is nothing there to remind me of how that house – that mill Looked but these memories that I hold close to my heart, And when I am gone these memories will be gone as well. Submitted by: Lenore Blake Wish I never heard of Covid 9
Before it came along I was doin' just fine God damn pandemic What have you done to my life? Taken away my freedom And filled it with strife. Can't go out Can't see my friends Can't make love Can't make amends Boredom and ennui have taken their toll on me Pernicious Pandemic go away and let me be Submitted by: Lenore Blake In Florida,
The breeze, sweetened with the scent of frangipanne blossoms Pushes the hair in front of my eyes As if to block out the horrors of the world around me And bestow a moment of peace. Submitted by: Karl Nicholas Urso Your talent glows
your smile radiant you heart shines bright like that of a million suns it must make you smile to think of all the hearts you won by poems you read I know then when I hear you read I know black girl and woman magic ant dead I cant wait for me to read those books take look in side the world of art and appreciate the time you took , took to create your part when I see you I just cant wait speak and sometimes have to wait I wish I could talk to you more in a heart to heart and one on one fashion conversation I hope my friendship with you is ever lasting or what ever we turn out to be I don't want to ruin this relationship and have you go free like so many other in the past I guess some where in my heart I am concerned and wonder if we will last your an amazing writer mother powerful black woman full of class and respect there are many things I want to get to know so many things I want to ask so much I don't know yet wondering if there will ever be a right time like so many of my artist friends to chat there is only so much hours in the day but I admire you a lot and hope that admiration will stay maybe if I show more of who I am as person would you judge me ? would you look the other way I guess my form of expression my way of saying hey ! I know you know who you are already with me lighting the way or telling you who this poem is about or maybe you won't and too figure it out but I tell one thing you you smile my friend never want to pout trying to find way to honor you I guess that what this poem is about about my friend who is an poet and a artist that I admire a lot I admire all that you do in the life you got I hope to see things. for what they are and not they are not because I have been admiring you quite a real lot with you poetry you talk shows and acting and so much more it's people you that remind me things are worth fighting for And there are still good people out there even after my heart was broke even if it was only two time that really even had spoke you are very inspirational woman and I admire you a lot i really don't know how to end this poem yet with the creativity that I got But you won my admiration a lot Submitted by: Alyssa Archambault all i want to do
is to dive into the cold, refreshing water with strength that doesn’t falter. alone and naked and unobserved, with no one to tell me i’m absurd. i unbutton my top and allow it to drop. a chill runs through by body, it looks a little gaudy. i close my eyes, my arms begin to rise; i take the leap and hit the water in a heap. it sends splinters of ice throughout my bodice. it numbs my brain and keeps me sane. Submitted by: Alyssa Archambault she has been sitting
in the corner of her brain scared, anxious, and stressed for so long that she didn’t realize the walls which keep her imprisoned are made of the thinnest, brittle drywall. all she has to do to escape the hell she keeps herself in is get up, walk to the wall, and tap it extremely lightly. if she does, the wall will collapse in front of her, and present the escape she longs for. after a long stretch of sitting with her thoughts, she had the idea to walk over and see if she could escape the hell that is her head by trying to break down the walls which keep her captive. so, she pushes herself to her feet and tentatively wanders to the wall of her brain. after a moment, she lifts her fingers and slowly places her hand on the wall. and as soon as she does, the wall crumbles right in front of her. Submitted by: Patricia Martin www.patriciamartin.com/ Now is the time to recall what is sweet, what is good
in the face of darkening days in the face of facts and exaggerations in the face of fear and fear mongering that is relentlessly in our face We need to pause, to tune out, to turn away and just breathe quietly letting peace sink in at least for a while to just take that moment to moment moment We need to recall and call upon what is sweet, what is good simple pleasures that give us joy like a bed made with freshly laundered sheets stirring a fragrant soup simmering on the stove watching the bouncing prance of a happy dog picking up a cat that reaches up to be hugged hearing a good friend’s voice over the phone feeling the brisk spring wind softly slap your face alive noticing the first new buds are on a venerable old tree catching a glimpse of the golden glow of sunlight at those certain hours receiving the texted photo of the new baby born amidst chaos looking for all the world like Buddha Focusing on what is sweet, what is good to make you feel so alive, at this moment Submitted by: Kayla M. Yellow skin ripens with age
The inner body enclosed by a cage Warmth of sunlight browns the skin The intestinal fortitude safe within One day goes by followed by two The aging skin looks like a chocolate covered goo Full of wisdom time kills another The overwhelming sense of what to do requires my mother She looks at the poor thing right there on the counter It looks pathetic next to the freshly picked flower She sighs and heads straight to the book This routine is so common I don't have look She skins it right there on the counter top Throws away the remains in the garbage, plop I watch as she takes the tool to smash the spread Another one lost to banana bread |