In the Soup

April 21, 2013

by

Charlie Decker
Matt Swofford
Jordan Caulk
China Brickey

In the Soup

old winter night
sun peaking up
through the black trees

moving through the forest
I come to a river with no

stopped by the river
babbling
of the current

cool water intertwining
between my toes

the moon's reflection
shattered
waves disperse through the night

wind pushing
water succumbs

•

sailboat
only by the grace
of the wind goes it

my scarf
flying north by northeast

cool air
crisply licks my skin
goose pimples

my father's hammock
susurrus beneath the trees

swaying side to side
eyes close softly
I sink into the moment

in your arms
weightless

•

spring wedding
the sleeping flower girl
moon in her glasses

all is calm
soon to be stirred

like music
from a distance
a low rumble

scattering orangutans
the first fallen tree

homes destroyed
they move somewhere safe
to bloom again

a small hand clutching
a slightly burnt doll

•

pregnant woman
at the airport
carry-on luggage

window seat
looking out into my future

out of state schools
financial aid information
sitting in my lap

my parents voices
a gentle hum, reassuring

the bail is two hundred
my father's face
clasped hands

sitting behind bars
with my stolen merchandise

•

an intense burn
covers my body
panic attack

paper bags
and aloe

shopping with mom
our cart
overfloweth

she covered the main food groups
I threw in some good ol' candy

mashed potatoes
with smarties
best of both worlds

flash flood
all the food wasted

•

tiptoeing
between the ripples
waterbug

hanging off the mast
I lean toward freedom

the pacific ocean
a small white boat
is my new home

take with me
what's important

the picture of my wife
one in her hair
cherry petal

in the stars
I see her eyes

• • •

This splendid example of kasen renga was written using a technic involving mild debate and pleasant conversation regarding whose link to use.

Link Key:

CD – 1, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35

MS – 2, 5, 11, 14, 17, 20, 25, 28, 32

JC – 4, 8, 18, 21, 24, 30, 33, 36

CB – 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 22, 26, 29, 34