Parking Lot Paranoia

in immanent danger
she seeks comfort
from the radio

echoes vibrate
her soul gasps

quick into DRIVE
wheels peel
yet not fast enough

pedal to the floor
real danger lurks

twisted medal
shattered glass
pain arise from blood

the man in black ask
“Maam, are you okay?”

by Hector Galvin

A Somber Cloud

drops of rain
consumed slowly
by thirsty skin

in my bag
an umbrella

a cry
from a cloud
as it turns gray

windshield wipers
create a lasting smudge

distant headlights
form watercolors
on a clear canvas

a flash of yellow
and then, nothing

by Brandy Bockewitz
& Jacob Poshard (5)

Journey

misty morning—
seeking refuge
under the weeping willow

teardrops fall
from the leaves

moss-covered gravestone
cloaked in shadows
sits forgotten

memories—
a lost love
never returned

elderly hands
cling tightly to the cross

donated bench—
the widow watches
moments from her past

by Jennifer Godwin
and Emily Weible (5)

Teaching

preparing lesson
I imagine students
actually behaving

eight o’clock the children enter
we stand for the pledge

students whisper
morning announcements
go unacknowledged

moment of understanding
brightens the day
the reason for teaching

time for gym class
finally! a break

grading papers
fingers stained
with paint and ink

by LizzyKelly
& Theresa Kelly (3)

5:06

every sound amplified
night bleeds into
early morning

black diluted blue
the birds begin

ultraviolet rays
penetrate parched eyes
blurred vision

chances to dream
no more

clothes weighing heavier
from extra hours
of wear

constant and callous
another day begins

by Sierra Shaw
& Brian Howard (5)

Dick Smack

Shaking head to toe
he’s never done this
heart beats to the ground

breathing heavily
its time to grow up

lying in bed
motionless…
he won’t recover from this

hands grip the sheets
a tug on his shorts
his heart beat races…

Young and Scared
he’s ill prepared

Jack and Jill went up the hill
Jill came down with 2.50
that fucking whore…

John Whittingham
& Matt Chmiel (4)

shifting cloud scenes

daydreams…
caught in aging branches
patches of new sky

shifting cloud scenes
gazing into our future

sunset veiled by cloud—
your lips curving
my forehead against yours

craving each other’s touch
to the sudden sound of rain

light Spring drizzle
warmth of your breath
caresses my lips

soft song cuts through rain
into my dreams

by Natalie Perfetti
& Ryan Murphy
& Tiffany Owens (3)

Rengay

a silver mic stands alone
taking center-stage
my big break...power's out.

standing in complete darkness
the music plays in my head.

crowds scream with excitement
is this part of the show?
counting to 3, hoping to see.

the lights blind me
I sing to blank faces . . .
silhouettes

the crowd falls quiet
singing my heart's song

with sincere emotion
I belt the last note . . .
standing ovation

Bill Ryan
& Will Frankenberger (2)

dirty little secret

His grubby sock
hiding my keys—
dirty little secret

the pillowcase still smells
quiet moments, whispered lies

skin on skin
tainted friendship
Once…

lust between the lines
smothered – dripping
truth down the drain

losing you
wasted wishes

picking up the remnants
His eyes on my back
out the door — into the cold

Billy Seger
& Lauren (3)

Ice Cream

Cold ice cream
On
A rainy day

Ice cream my favorite
They did not have

Smooth Vanilla
Melts
In my mouth

Chocolate chip cookie dough
Soupy
Wasted money

Last spoonful
I want more!

Belly ache
More than I could handle
Lactose intolerant

Jey Smith
& Dar Betton