poetry

All my thoughts need correction, For before, in my meekness, My own so-thought perfection Always became my weakness. I found in my defiance Anxieties each hour In my misplaced reliance. Instead, I need

Pencils scratch and scribble Like dozens of mice scurrying Across a table— The teacher paces purposefully, Watching her pupils’ work, Waiting for the lightbulb— That spark of comprehension. Patient as a farmer watching

Lord! The battle goes on, And the end is far from near; Duty is harsh, and pleasures are dear! The days are so dark that the night’s a relief. Please, hear me,

I know I spoke very directly to him, Very much like a lioness Might snap a zebra’s skull in her jaws. I thought to myself, “I’m not waiting.” I’m not

Life will not be crushed. I feel it rippling beneath pavement, tree roots forging cracks in blacktop, carving a washboard under my wheels, rattling my very bones as I ride. On my left

Variation on a theme by Benjamin Myers The congregants file in long lines of two, Ants carrying their burdens forward, Setting them down to rest on holy ground. Let this mother, forehead folds

The stories of my mind are like Growing darkness, bursting light, Flitting shadows, rumored wars, Soaring clouds, and plunging stars.   Battle raging in my mind, What will I do with you? You take

My life is like walking, tip-toeing a tightrope up high in the darkness where the stage lights don’t shine.   My life is like running, scurrying around the ring from one act to

Don’t ask me to love you quietly— I never learned how. I can only love you loudly: In fireworks and ardent declarations, In shouting “I adore you” in public places. My love

Towering waves roar at Those who’ve come to tame them, Never surrendering to men attempting To stand. Boards break, bones crack— No one can hinder the tide. The water laughs at failures

My mother says we ought to eat A balanced diet, with whole wheat,   And don’t forget the chewy things: Asparagus and squash with strings,   Or salmon for Omega Threes, Or peaches, pears,

Spectators wish I would stay forever Steadfast, because I've always been Here doing what I'm told. Not just to be Prodded, but Lauded: Like a derby, Circling for the gold, I reach for

Dear Mr. Poe And his lover, Amontillado, What did it mean When it killed Fortunato?     Sad Mr. Poe And your friend Melancholy, Did Virginia know That you bathed in violent folly?     Miserable Mr.

Ancient as the knotted oak, He is the wisest of all his folk— White his coat and beard and tail; Keen eyes glowing without fail. His memory is deep; his knowledge, vast; His

I’m stuck in the middle of drama that isn’t my problem anymore.   The walls are caving in, and my escape isn’t through a door.   Only a few could break out

Sunlight glittered on the liquid streets— Like a sea of diamonds, Michele thought as he ran to meet His darling at the Shining Islands, A restaurant they were fond of Since the beginning

“Enunciate, please!” “You’re talking too fast.” “Quit slurring your words.” “We’ll break you of that.”   These are the voices Others put into my head. How can this part of me Be

I sit. I sigh. I watch the faces, None the one I wish to see. My eye erases The scene; the places Phase and swirl. Instantly I'm where I want to be. Blue

The place I want to go to              is blustery and wild.                          It is where no car   has driven before,              no man has walked                         before. It is starry,     silvery as sleep,              dainty as dreaming,

People push past in a terrible fury, Most of them anxious and in a hurry, Some frantic as they run to and fro, Not knowing when or where to go. All are busy,