I am from oven
from soap and blankets
I am from the unorganized and
unwelcome home
I am from the dandelions
The maple tree
whose long gone limbs I remember
as if they were my own.
I’m from playing games and curly hair
from mom and grandma
I’m from talking and arguing
and from laughing.
I’m from Dr. Seuss and Santa Claus
and Amazing Grace
I’m from walking across cornfields
I’m from Minnesota and Germany
creamed corn and apple pie
From mom going to school in Amboy
and being homecoming royalty
Farm pictures and old yearbooks
in basement boxes.
MINUTE POEM
The ball it bounces on the court
this is my sport
I love to play
it makes my day
It’s not about the ending score
I won by four
I guess it is
about who wins
The only way I’d ever lose:
With untied shoes
I’m best of all
at basketball
SLAM
At fourteen, I had seen
more than I thought I’d ever see
When you left me I was just a little girl
Left me alone in the world
as it twirls
I spin with it, again and again
without you
Without a clue what I’m going to do
So here I stay to this day
alive to say, I made it
I passed a chapter in life
after the pain and strife
I made it
HAIKU TRIO
I’m getting older
but when I surpass your age
will I feel guilty?
I smelled you today
A lady wore your perfume
I almost hugged her
I still call your name
up the staircase after school
You never answer
NAANI
Driving away tonight
You in my rearview mirror
My heart fluttered
I turned around
BIO POEM
I know this change is constant
nothing stays the same
nothing lasts forever
I know this time is irreversible
there is no going back
there is only what lies ahead
I know this Life goes on
I think it is a waste to live in the past
I think mistakes are learning opportunities
we must fail in order to succeed
We need to embrace change readily
We need to use time wisely
We need to live life fully
I know people wish for second chances
I know we beg for eternity
I know each day could be the last
We need to keep looking up
We need to keep moving forward
We owe it to ourselves to be free
And find happiness
Paint me adaptable Paint me optimistic Paint me determined
I’m Alive
VILLANELLE
The needle pierces my skin with ink
I brace myself against the pain
The pain sets in until I cannot think
I hear running water from the sink
The buzzing makes me feel insane
The needle pierces my skin with ink
Dizziness as the room seems to shrink
My skin is designed with black stains
The pain sets in until I cannot think
SO MUCH DEPENDS UPON
So much depends
upon
the worn out
sneakers
splattered with brown
mud
next to the dog’s
leash
YOUR FRIEND
Your friend visited again today
He rang the doorbell and waited there
You opened the door with pleasure
Always happy to see your old pal
Lately he’s been coming more often
No doubt he understands your stress
Although I must be honest, Daddy
He’s not the kindest of your friends
The routine never changes, of course
I know the drill very well by now
I brace myself as he walks closer
Anticipation is the worst part
Without hesitation he strikes me
My cheek is familiar with his hand
You proceed to shout into my ear
I hear the same old horrible names
Mom knew your friend very well
When she passed away only I was left
Nice of you to introduce me, Dad
He shakes hands with the devil, then me
I know in time these visits will end
When I leave this house and find my home
Three knocks at the door and I shudder
The Anger has returned once again
MY MOTHER'S DAUGHTER
Strangers speak to me
Just empty words of condolence
Meaningless beyond explanation
They knew her, maybe
Though not as I
She was half of me
The better half, I think
As I glance across the room
To her widower
I notice his attempt to care
So everyone can leave
Thinking she was happily married
A few know otherwise
They know of a struggling family
They know blame is shared
My chest fills with guilt
For horrible things done and said
My stomach fills with regret
For great things left undone, unsaid
He motions toward me
I wear the fakest smile of my life
Because this is no father of mine
As I cross the room, I remember
I was my mother’s daughter
I am my mother’s daughter
LOVE HIGHWAY
You’re driving me crazy
You’re making me smile
It’s our long journey
It’s worth every mile
The signs tell us “merge”
The lanes will collide
Guide us together
Guide us on this ride
Put the music on
Put the windows down
Get freed by the air
Get lost in the sound
My road trip driver
My lover and friend
Our ride continues
Our love doesn’t end
BLACK AND WHITE
I never knew black could mix
with white and create
a colorful pair,
causing great jealousy
for every shade of gray.
Though the lights that
refuse shadows
may try to ground us,
we will fly.
In the end,
a dove in the night
is a crow in the day.
