OPEN MIC SESSION

Updated April 30th, 2000

And there is more in April, 2000 Encore

Tonight
Sudarshan Das

Tonight I won’t write
A poem for you
Because you don’t like to read.

Tonight I will lie awake
I will meditate on you
In the hope
My scent of love may reach you,
My ‘I’ may lose his self in your heart
In where you may recite me
Instead of my poem.
~!~

Naked reality
mrinalini gadkari 

Sunlight vanishes
The hidden desire
Moonlight strips
Human of the veil
Naked and real.

~!~

Watercolor
Catherine Lynch

I painted a picture of you
to make your cold eyes laugh
like I wish they would
the brightest colors in my box
made your face and clothes
and it dried in the sunlight
on my steps
you sat forgotten through the night
And in the morning, 
Your colors had washed away
leaving your stony, penciled eyes
streaked by rain

~!~

JUST NOW
Craig Ronto 

Crackling leaves beneath
our steps echo time
as we walk a river's edge.

Side by side, and hand 
in hand we walk
into the only moment there is.

No trace of cement pavement
frustrated butchers
or invasive golden arches.

Just mellow streaks of
sunshine filtering through 
a portrait of trees painted on the 
canvas of life before us

~!~

DEAFENING SILENCE...
SINDHUJA

Dark is the sky at nights
leaves swirling so tenderly...
waves and rocks....getting into fights
wind wooshing smoothly!

Suddenly I realized.....
where I was standing,
a world so still and immobile....
a world without it's shine.

Recalling the moments...
the moments that brought the end.....
the end of this era.....
the end of this world!!!

Nothing to see
Nothing to feel....
Nothing to hear...
leading to tears!!!

This sound of darkness...
this sound of silence....
strange yet true.....
will soon be broken-
when the world once again BLOOMS......!

~!~

"I wish that I could"
 Steve Davis

My mind says forget, but my heart just can't quit, thinking of you like I do.
My mind says they're wrong, these feelings so strong, I have inside me so 
true. These feelings that need you so very much, these feelings just 
begging for one little touch. My mind says these feelings aren't any good.
It begs me to stop: I wish that I could. But now I know that it's much too late-I have to accept it, because it's my fate. And now I know, that I can't do,
something so simple, like just look at you, without thinking things that may
be so wrong. Without thinking things I've thought for so long, My mind says forget you. Maybe I should. My mind says to stop it: AS IF I COULD. Because these feelings have dug deep inside. They will only leave when
I have died. Emblazoned upon my heart they are such-I can't forget, I love you too much.
~!~

I watched his hand
Grasping on to the fiddle stick;
Swiftly moving across the strings.
I felt each note
As each string was caressed by his soul.
It spoke of suffering and pain,
But the kind that no one knew.
The people that surrounded him
Seemed utterly unabsorbed.
Perhaps they knew this song
That so sadly sung his soul.
I can remember the tears swelling in my eyes.
I knew this song he sang
Filled with longing and un-nurtured cries.
Was there not a world to see?
Although we reside in a deluded reality,
There always lies the possibility of enchantment and amour.
Hypnotic and mournful; forlorn and full of wretchedness.
Never shall it be forgotten the song of pain you sang.
For if it were not for it, my soul was to be begotten.

 Crystal Elease Torres

~!~

a brand new box of crayons
all for me
no one else to share with
no one that i can see

the smell of wax radiating
with the gliding motions of my hand
a piece of papers eager waiting
quickly put to an end

the papers brightness rapid fading
darkening with the morbid colors
filling in the tightest spaces
making it short of a world wonder

it seems that way now a days
darkness being in everyplace
but no longer
I'm so sure

Someone broke my crayons
life's stories i can draw no more
Jen Iriarte

~!~

Nature's Cure
W. Stratton Treadway

fallen leaves that molder 
a mystic sanctum floor 
beams of sun light probing
visible pollen spores 
varied scents merged
bitter to the taste 
sounds spurt, then fade, 
most almost never heard
scant foliage seen,
great pillars fill this hall
ghostly shadows almost hide a horde,
of creatures tiny an small… 

an outcrop becomes my stool,
it’s touch cool and hard
I visit friends of forgotten memories
and laugh at all the fools
now shifting past a burdensome puzzle 
creation’s tranquility soothes
I gaze at mother natures world
awed at the theater before me… 

I leave natures retreat
it’s antidote within my soul
life’s labyrinth puzzle torn
grateful for nature's cure

~!~

Mom and Dad
Jennifer Gibbons

My mom and dad
Are there for me
When I'm very sad
Cause they can see

They love me a lot
As you can see
But sometimes I can rot
Cause that's just me

Sometimes I just need someone
And they're always there
Though I'm not a son 
They still really care

My mom is always there
And my dad is to
That's why they ooh so care
What I always like to do

~!~

What did I do to deserve this!
Darlene Shaffer

What did I do to deserve this.
I try to be the best mother I can;
I give you my all.
But that isn't enough.
You stomp and trample on me.
you say you want more and
when you get more it isn't enough.
Where is the line to be drawn?
Why, where and when did it go wrong;
You always sing the same old song!
You say you said and did what you did
because you were mad'
You say and do things to hurt my feelings;
Then you say your sorry to get more ,not because 
you're sorry but because you want to get your own way.
What about me? I'm a person with feelings or doesn't
that count? You've hurt me deep in the depth of my soul.
My heart feels as if it's being yanked out of my mouth.
I gave up my life for what? This.
I'm not something you use and toss away , like a piece of garbage!
I hope when you have children you never have to go through the heart
ache and pain that you've put me through. I don't know if I'm going to 
make it. There is one thing I know I'm not going to take it any more it's time now for me to close the door to heart ache and pain;

~!~

"Runaway"
 Lauren

'There's nothing here for me'
I tell myself that all the time.
But the way you all make me feel
it's like I've committed a crime.
I thought you all were there for me
Willing to pull me through.
But every loving word you've ever told me
was never really true.
I'm sure you could care less
how I feel inside.
You've always left me out and ignored me
You always had things to hide.
"Friends Forever" we always said,
So I guess I'll never know
why forever seemed so short
And friends were so quick to go.
I might as well just run away,
Just leave everything behind.
I'm sure you wouldn't care at all.
You have to be cruel to be kind.

~!~

MY DAD:
Erin Wallace

the way u laughed, i always could tell it was u, the way u hugged me, I knew your love was true, all though your gone, I can still remember all the times in our life i miss u , i miss u. 
The way u walked, the way u talked i can never forget u were my dad my one and only dad, even though you're gone, you will always stay in my heart and we will never be apart.
Dad even though u yelled, i knew u still loved me , now who will be there to hold me, u were there to teach me how to draw, and teach me how to sing, why can't you see me except my wedding ring?

Dad why did you have to go, i know how much you loved the snow u and you sons played in, and the grass you used to mow, the flowers u gardened will all be gone but i don't know if i can go on... with out u my life is rough, can't u please come back and teach me how to be tough, the kids in my school all feel sorry for your loss, but they don't know what i am going through. I wish u were alive, i wish u were well, when u come back let me know u are here by ringing a the golden bell.

~!~

"Flesh"
Boljack

You PreDator!
DeVouRing at every man's soul,
ReLenTlessLy searching 
for a slight WEAKness to Manipulate.
You, STEALthy Harbinger 
of ChAoS and TuRmOiL, 
Who leaves a path of MASSIVE DESTRUCTion
amidst the SEA of life.
silently waiting.
carefully Stalking.
Your prey.
my soul!
SLASHing 
RIPping 
SHREDs.
inESCAPable 
i have Succumbed to Your Lethal spell.
just another
Victim....

~!~

The Wit Path.
jason meyer 

Bleed fast...hence, happily sleeping slow;
So heavily, so watery the pattern.
Plenty of spare leg rooms to grow, go,
Over through what's left, under swollen brain.
Don't forget to leave the safety safely off,
And shape the satellite's goings, stray.
It's darker when it's quiet, 
Courtesy, an ear-slicing silence.
Courtesy, choiced voices establishing super-grounds.
Fear's frozen coast supplied the smile, while,
Adding to the glowing silhouette of
Sleeping solid inside a steady rock...thrown up.
So green is the peace.
Breathing sprinkled meaning this morning, and still does.
Lost for a van Goghed minute, taken more.
Always taking more...
Would the last one out mind turning on the lights?

~!~

THIS IS A TEST...MY HEAD IS A MESS...BLUEBIRD IN THE TREE...
BLUEBIRD LOOKING AT ME...WHY DO YOU CARE...SHE WANTS TO SCREAM...
FLESH OF THE PUPPET UNDER THE BED...A RED NEEDLE IN ITS HEAD...
TAKE IT OUT...CAST IT INTO THE COLD BLUE SEA...WHO ARE YOU...
WHAT IS YOUR NAME...I SEE A TRAIN...BLACK AND RED...CRASHING AGAIN...
MY HEAD IS A MESS...ASHES IN THE BOXES...YOU MUST SPEAK...
THE TITANIUM GIRL IS EATING THE CHERRIES BECAUSE SHE IS SAD...
A RED NEEDLE IN HIS POISON HEAD...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...
NAME IS ALEXANDRIA...BROWN EYES...VERY DARK...VERY DARK...
SHE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY CAUSE THE SKY IS GREY...
RED DRESS...WHITE SOCKS...A LEAF IN HER HAND...BLACK CLOUDS...
ARE COMING BACK...I SEE THEM AND I AM AFRAID...YES ITS TRUE...
THE TITANIUM GIRL IS SLEEEEEPING...SO BEAUTIFUL...BE..BE QUIET... 
RICK SIHLER

~!~

LONELINESS IS THE EPITOME OF MY AGONY
AND THRU ALL THE STRUGGLING I DO COMES MY MISERY
SO MANY BROKEN-HEARTS, TRAILS, AND TRIBULATIONS
HAVE LED TO MY MIGRATION OF DESOLATION AND ISOLATION.
I'VE LOST AND I'VE LOVED, I'VE LAUGHED AND I'VE CRIED,
AND I LIVE EVERYDAY, JUST WAITIN' TO DIE.
I LIVE ALL ALONE, SO I'LL DIE ALONE AS WELL,
AND SINCE ONLY GOD JUDGES MY ACTIONS, ONLY GOD CAN DAMN ME TO HELL.
SO YOUR PETTY GESTURES AND OPINIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT ME,
TAKE THEM ELSEWHERE I HAVE NO TIME FOR HATE OR ENVY.
I GOT ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH, MY OWN HEART-ACHES AND TROUBLES,
JUST LIVIN' IN THIS DEPRESSIN' ASS WORLD, AND TRYIN' TO STAY HUMBLE.
I'M NOT THE AVERAGE, THAT'S WHAT I TRULY BELIEVE,
SO WHEN OBSTACLES ARE THROWN MY WAY, THEY'RE HURDLED WITH EASE.
I STRUGGLE, I STRIVE, I ALSO FACE DEFEATS,
WANNA KNOW HOW I MADE IT THIS FAR, CAUSE EVERY TIME I FALL,
I ALWAYS BOUNCE BACK ON MY FEET.
RAHMAN ABDALLAH

~!~

CONFUSED
Kenyata Patterson

Filled to the brim with anger
I don't understand where it comes from
It's original source
All I know is that society feeds it.

I'm constantly battling 
My spirit from within
In a struggle for 
Control over these demons
I skillfully disguise
This struggle from others eyes
So no one sees the pain of my inner battle 
To suppress this anger and finally be FREE.

~!~

Pity
Eric Buckley

I've recognized,
my pear shaped siblings
I have taken it for granted
but I have also recognized

by doing so
lent credibility to your fleshy curse
I could give you one of my forgotten
hourglass and tanned canvasses
that mean less than nothing to me

your bragging right
at every role-play meeting
still masturbated to
for a decade
or more

~!~

Winter
-Ash


Snowflakes fall instantly in hours.
Screaming and crying at the window.
Seeking heat
Seeking comfort
Seeking the warmth that 
will destroy them.
Craving destruction like
birds with broken wings
Falling, stumbling, smashing 
into the ground.
~!~

Remembrance Road
By krb

Snow covers this dark and lonesome road
No tracks visible on this less traveled road
Just two shoe prints imprinted on this snow-covered road
With the rain starting to fall on this bleak dismal road
I follow the meagerly visible prints near the side of the road 
Leading me to a place just beside this daunting road
There just one blood decorated print that remains lucid on this road
Curious I stray further down this narrow but lingering road
Just then a bright light flashes somewhere down the road
So I then hasten to reach the end of this immense road
To find that someone or something is following me along this road
Now running to escape this I can now see the end of this road
Looking back I see that it has vanished from the road
Just ahead a sign that reads end of road
Frantic I turn back in dismay down the road
Off in the distance it stands in the middle of the road
With no choice I must follow this road
To meet it in the middle on this remembrance road
Learning now that you can’t escape the inevitable road
When it ends death will be coming on this bleak and dismal road
I follow it because it is my time to bring and end to this road
So put many turns, curves, bumps, and hills in your road
To make tracks visible on this less traveled road
~!~

One dreamt that one slept
in a bed in one's forehead.
One found oneself lost.
Stuart Reed

~!~

Diversity
By Hillol Ray

Clouds in the sky have different shade -
They glow in lights, either dim or fade !
Suddenly new ones come and cloak the air,
To renew our visions and make things fair !

Rainbows are born among the light and rain -
To soothe viewer’s eyes and remove all pain !
Life bathes in motion to plant the new seeds,
And waits for creatures with creative deeds !
This goes on and on since the ancient days,
And people just flock, like bright sun rays !

We know, color or creed works as a dam -
To promote any progress, or create a jam !
No one gains through the screeching halt,
’Cause faith is taken with a grain of salt !
But removal of notions may clear the way,
And build the bridge that will never sway !

So, let us all now blend our ethnic voice,
To kill any prejudice, or color of choice !
Progress via Diversity: let it be the key -
Around the globe, from heaven to sea !!!
~!~

HOPE
Anirudh Ojha

Through this new misty morning 
do I see my paths clear
All through the night 
I have suffered only in fear
Distant mountains give me a vision
"bright thoughts" is the cue
Beyond them lies a world new
my dreams shall all come true
~!~

this poem has no title yet
Anthony Hutt

I am tired of life it's to hard, there's to much time for pain and suffering. If only friends would not cheat you, "goodbye" was unheard, and life would go on forever. I had to say goodbye once, why is it so hard to say it again? Every time, more pain, more tears, why? Why do we live life with so much suffering when it can end right now? One wrong move, one bullet, one long jump down, one rope, one weapon. We hear news about this everyday you say they have problems, that their crazy, some are living with so much pain that they just can't go on anymore, so, what will they say about YOU? 

~!~

Could you? 
Rasha Radi

Could you ever understand 
What I understood? 
Could you ever know 
What I know? 
Could you ever see 
What i saw? 
Could you ever be 
what i've been? 
Could you ever hear 
what i've heard? 
Could you ever kill 
What i've killed? 
Could you ever feel 
What I felt? 
Could you ever lose 
what I've lost?
~!~

My Secret – March 28, 2001
Dedicated to 57. Thanks for teaching me to look beyond the cover.
Beau Hebert

I, the guy you picked on this morning,
The guy that you called “queer”,
The one who tried to know you,
But you wouldn’t be seen near.

I’ve got lots of secrets,
Things that you can’t see.
I hide them behind my tears,
And pray they wouldn’t be.

If you only knew my secrets,
If you only knew my fears,
Maybe you wouldn’t judge me,
And laugh at all my tears.

You see, I, the guy you picked on,
Am dying deep inside.
I have no physical hope,
And soon will close my eyes.

My family, they all know,
My best friend he knows too,
But I have things I’ve hidden,
And I’ll reveal them now to you.

I watched you laugh and scoff,
And wondered if the end I’d see,
But you just continued laughing,
And poking fun at me.

I don’t know the reasons,
Why I’m telling you today.
And I don’t know the comments,
That I will hear you say.

So I will tell you ahead of time,
Because I know just what you’ll say.
It wasn’t the result of sex or drugs,
I got it from shots one day.

I, the guy you picked on,
Am a victim, don’t you see?
It has its grip within my soul,
And I’m dying from HIV.

My health is already failing,
And my life, it will be short,
But I will keep on living,
At least in people’s hearts.

I’m not looking for sympathy,
I’m happier than most, by far,
But I hope this makes you see,
Don’t judge, there is always something more.

I smile because I’m happy,
This disease has set me free,
Free to be who I want to be,
Free, at last, to be me.

I’ll leave you with this thought,
A thought I hope rings true.
I never judged because I know the pain,
But remember that this could be you.

So live your life from day to day,
And don’t sweat the little things.
And if you’ll smile and to yourself be true,
I’ll see you in your dreams.

~!~

Flow
Kent Causby

Whence does the river flow?
With it's stream my boat I row
Thru barren lands where bleak winds blow
Past sunny days I used to know

Where does this river flow?
Indeed, its size does grow and grow
Its shores emit a golden glow
Yet with the current I must go

Ponder the water, take a drink
In its waves the meek will sink
Still, on its waters hope depends
I'll float the river till it ends
~!~

From the Grave
Sergeant Calvin S. McChesney 4/2001 

These rotten bones lying in a shallow hole
Who am I only the killer knows
Unspoken words of the dead betrayed
Screaming out from an unmarked grave

Coyotes dug me I'm spread out for miles
My teeth still remain with one last smile
No ghost here only crime scene clues
Seek my remains let them speak the truth

A year slipped by when will I rest in peace
How many others died from his disease
Across the veil of death I spell out a name
Find what's left of me before he kills again

From the grave I'm here come find me
From the grave a gruesome discovery
From the grave moan cries of my bones
From the grave my murder unfolds
~!~

The Single, Shining Tear
Ari 

Your face is alight with emotions,
Anger, love, hope, and fear.
You turn away to not let us see
The single, shining tear.

Your clothes and hair are all in shambles,
They taunt, they tease, they jeer.
You hold your head high, and think I don't see
The single, shining tear.

You never knew I was there.
You could reach out and pull me near.
I would hold you close and wipe away
The single, shining tear.
~!~

"OPEN EYES IN A DREAM"
Nazish Tariq 

My poor soul is in the center of the earth,
Many floods have tried to drag it in the mud.
For naught; to be successful to fly above the sky,
O Lord, tell me the way I could keep away from its bay?
Why Morpheus gives me the tranquil waves,
If I'll go to sleep then I'll be delivered to the lethe,
For me, this lethe is the is the land of ice.
And there, air will be nowhere except for death's shore,
After experiencing this world,
Now I want to sleep but near my beloved.
And if someone gives to me a hemlock sprig,
I shall not defy,
For the price is of my own asking.
It would be fine to leave this world of nightmares,
As it is, it has taken on a veil of fear,
Then why not enter a world free from cares?
If we are helpless to live in this world,
Like the helpless stars,
Then we shouldn't even try to change it,
And why should we, when it doesn't need us anyway?
~!~

"MELLOW FELLOW-SOUL KNOW"
MILENA ASSENOVA

IT'S TRUE BUT NOT FAIR
THAT LOVE HURTS THIS WAY
THAT THINGS NEVER GO YOUR WAY OR MY WAY
SO TELL ME WHICH WAY, ARE WE HEADING MELLOW FELLOW??
TRUST IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE
AND I DEFINITELY NEED A TISSUE
FOR THESE TEARS THAT I'M SHADING
BUT WHAT'S THE POINT
WHEN I ONLY END UP KILLING ME SLOWLY
WHICH WAY TO TAKE IS THE QUESTION
I AIN'T PHONY, BUT I ALWAYS WANTED A PONY
AS CHILD ETERNALLY DREAMS
BUT NEVER GETS ALL THAT IT NEEDS
AND I REALLY CALL ME TO FEEL ME
TO PARANOID TO THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE
'COZ IT HARDLY TURNS TRUER
I WANA FEEL PEACE
FOR ME & MY MELLOW FELLOW
SO YOU KNOW WHO I'M TALKING ABOUT?!
MY SOUL!- THE ONLY TRUE KNOW.

~!~

Magic From Above
Bill Tatum

The infinite stars
like strings of pearls
whose beauty sates the skies

beam from afar
in glittering swirls
Earthbound, before my eyes.

These lights, so named
from myths and tales
that drape the night above

can guide the way 
for ships at sea 
or beckon two in love.

Like the eyes of time
of the cosmic realm
beholding through the ages

new stars, sublime
from birth to demise
metamorphing in glorious stages.

On a clear night
as a body takes flight
the lore of some will tell

to make a wish
on its last streaming light
as it bids its last farewell.

I marvel to watch
the great Northern Star
compelling its band to rehearse

As the Sun gives way
to the evening sky
playing songs of the universe.

~!~

Cops
Megan Nickoley 

I'm scared of them
They think I'm evil
That maybe I broke the law
I shouldn't feel guilty
Because I didn't do anything
But they make me nervous
Those cops

~!~

In Father's Memory
Tara Gush

I sat on your porch tonight, in your beautiful new home
I looked to the stars for hope, but they had dimmed, as have our hearts
I gasp, choking on my pain
Awaiting the sunrise, fearing a night's sleep
Because when I wake, I must face another day of your absence
The reality that you won't walk through that door
And ask me how I'm doing
That you won't walk through that door
And tell me to push myself in life and all that I do
Because that's what life is about- hard work and love
Because life is too short and you knew that
So I lied on your couch, in your room, and I felt you
My hand trembled and I lost my breath in your presence
Blind to my naked eye, you were a cool breeze
You took my hand, strong and warm, and you were there
As you always were, always will be
So I take you strength, your love, your wisdom and knowledge
Your undying support and courage
To help me remember you: a father, a husband, an amazing man
Though I am silent with grief, in my heart, I tell you forever- I love you
~!~

Answers
John Gordon

Please say yes to me today
So I might take you far away
Lift you up o'er the clouds
And cover you in their soft shrouds
Hold you in nights motionless still
Over on that grassy hill
I'll hold you all through the night
Hold on to you until morning's light
Take you home to have you say
Yes to all of my questions today
So I can hold you forever more
Kiss you gently outside the door
I walk home in Morns dull light
And think of you until our next night
Because I have never felt the same
When you're near I feel no pain
Because finally, Alas
My angel has came

~!~

Who am I, does anyone know. Who am I, for where
Khari Wilson

Who am I, does anyone know. Who am I, for where must I go, To find my true self. Am I a prince, majestic
And free. Am I a king, honored with glee. For I am
A man, full of ambition and eager, eager to have
Knowledge about my background, eager to comprehend
Life's winding road. For I am a man, trustworthy,
Hard working and intelligent. My mind is overflowing
With words that can tame the heart of the savage
Lion yet sooth the souls of friends in need.
Who am I, I am someone who can be depended on to carry
Out the plan, someone you can rely on to make things
Better and work out for everyone. For I am human, I
Am a man, who can make a mistake and be bold
Enough to admit when I'm wrong. Any man can
Make a mistake but it takes a real man to
Admit to his mistake. I am a man who will true
Care of his responsibilities and priorities first and
Save the good times for afterwards. Who am I,
I am human, I am a man.
~!~

Leave Me or Love Me
Jae Lynn 

It may not be an easy thing to do 
to choose between the two, a rock 
and a hard place that much is true
but with conscience on your side 
you'll know what to do 

I will accept any possibility
to cry and learn to live on my own
or be true to you and proclaim my 
vows aloud, to have and hold from
this day forth, and continue to pray
for our spiritual growth.

there's no need to prolong
something that feels wrong
to deny freedom and suffer in pain
love through obligation would be the only 
gain.

Some time to think isn't what you need
nor do I plan to beg or plead for something
I am sure to receive 
I have the faith of a mustard seed

Release or renew me
is all there's left to do
to live this life as few do
in complete understanding 
of what makes love true

From the soul ...

~!~

The Winds of Time
Jeri Haubiel 

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Born to die nothing more than a memory
Riding the winds of time.

Pain to pain, fear to fear.
Black and blue my mother's favorite colors on me;
Red, too, on the worst of days.

Rage to rage, hatred to hatred.
Filling in the cracks of my broken heart, 
Cementing my destiny.

Bullet to gun, gun to temple.
With only the night to hear, and a mirror
To see my hopelessness.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
And how will time remember
The life I leave behind.

~!~

"In the middle"
Nabi Dorsey

In the middle of this 
exchange of air
and tightness, we form
loosen and reform,

crystalline hexagonal
descent

Wind has blown back
a layer of dust.

~!~

April Snow
Michael Lynum

Lightly floating down
covering the drab spring ground
once last white coating

~!~

my friend
sarah o'hara

lots of people say they don't believe in hate,
well i know hate, she is my friend,
she keeps me company so i am never alone,
she's my promise for a brighter tomorrow.

she's evil, but she's my friend,
she's cold, but she's comforting,
she never leaves my side,
always trying to slowly take over.

she is inside and tries to control,
even the nicest people,
when they least expect it, she will show,
and hurt the ones you care about the most.

she makes you want to end everything,
take your own life,
but to stay is stronger and harder
once you overcome hate you can do anything.

i've over come my hate, it was hard,
i wont lye, she was overtaking,
now i know what's important, 
and who my real friends are!!
~!~

Friends have a way about them
they try to understand,
but some things you do and say
turns them the other way.
Forever we will be friends
even if only in my heart,
Our friendship will never be torn apart.
There is something about you though
something I don't understand,
Why when i fall in love
you won't give me your support?
You say you don't love him
some say that's a lie,
so tell me if you do or don't
I really need to know.
If you won't tell the truth then,
I must say to you,
you never were a friend to me,
Or aren't the friend I knew.

 Kym Bills

~!~

She had seen this sight before
Where she could not tell
But the memory's intensity left her sore
and just not feeling well
the man was close
but who was he
had he given her a rose
or hit her when she could not see
the scenes in her head
more vivid than any vision
was it true had she bled
had he laughed in derision
then things became clear
she saw him in the light
for it was her father she had to fear.
Andy Godefroy

~!~

The City
Tyler Brown

The city is a busy place.
There are people of every race.
You can watch the cars go by
or eat Mario's pizza pie.

You can take the bus or train
or you can go in your own lane.
You can walk or take a bike,
but those aren't things I really like.


You can go to the shopping mall
and come back out with a great big haul.
You can go to antique stores.
The things there are old and worn.

The city is a place of wonders.
It's a place of buildings and blunders.
It's a place that's so unique,
that even the country can seem obsolete.

~!~

What Is This Feeling?
Mary Czaja-Pirish

What is this I'm feeling?
Is it just a simple crush?
I can't believe my heart is racing
and my face is getting flushed!

I see you walking right towards me
and all I can do is smile.
I hope that I can talk to you
so that you will stay awhile.

Those big blue eyes are so beautiful.
Your smile makes me weak in the knees.
It feels as if my stomach is full
of a hundred angry bees.

You say you've had your eye on me.
You've liked me for so long.
I can't believe you're saying this.
It makes me want to sing a song!

Now it is so clear to me
like a million graceful doves.
I know what this is I'm feeling.
I've finally fallen in love.

~!~

LIVE LIVING
Nathaniel Soria 

Keep these shells of mine,
To intertwine,
With words of waves ramble.
Twist the air I breathe,
So no longer I can watch,
Waiting for the signs,
While the wind carries,
Spins and spinning,
Like twisters beyond any normal twist.
It was found,
This man,
on the road he was on,
Dead, left to dry up with the weeds,
The sun boiling his head to a dry spell,
With nothing left for rain.
It was all dry, 
Dry and desolate.
Lonely, lost, and confused!
"I lost it- but I'm still living.
I lost her- but I'm still giving.
I can't stay anymore,
The atmosphere is growing too strong.
The pain is too long, too long."

~!~

Winged Philosophy
Travis Ray Cole

Washed away pain and he dream believed
defend burning magic dose beliefs
wish tomorrow wanted to be
smiling pressure points mark the earth
time dust stopped clock anti-beliefs
bats hiding over me uniformed
save the love, feeling apathy
where they nailed jesus to the cross
maybe because he came instead of me
white smoke against angels wings
nails in your hands and feet
lines of life preying fetish mind disease
acupuncture rinse killed a tree
a tree for a cross
tell on me lift it for society
blame them for the flag meaning nothing but
preacher's humour is no longer amus-ing
trade christmas headstones trip for seeds
in need of new love
playing games strong as the sea
released to hold on to me
in the arms of rock and roll
i've wanted you and only dreamed
burning in love
i know you wanna believe there's nothing up above
lighting skies made easy and moved tornados
war time lust what could it mean
rivers glowed with blood
envy green spells turning
man made god god made dream
its you i really love
throw away thoughts never again seen
angel didn't have to love at least not me
lust would see no where is ever home
run out on me
go the moon is full
i'll always wait and see
the snake die and bleed.
shadows in the garden eating glass
as the second hand moves lie to me
in coming for the last strike
never wounded with lost love

~!~

BREEZE
 C. Scott

I am so empty the wind blows through me
As I sit alone on the shore
So many people, not really there
My comfort weighs me down
I am not strong
I am weak
The days I can't get numb enough
And everyone tries to understand
My eyes are dry the tears wont come
I have nothing left to give
I am not strong
I am so very weak
~!~

Another man dead
Reason for sorrow
More men dead
Will another die tomorrow
Happy today
Nothing is better
The love of your life today
Won't be there tomorrow
Serenity today
Nothing is better
Happier than ever
You'll be crying tomorrow
Guy finds a girl
His soul mate for life
Tell her all your secrets
She'll betray you tomorrow
Bitter-sweet life
Always thinking the worst case scenario
Have many problems today
They won't be better tomorrow
James Taylor

~!~

You
Megan Nickoley

Hey, it’s me again.
Sometimes I forget 
The world doesn’t revolve
Around me.
And sometimes I forget
That You hold the answers
And I just hold problems.
And sometimes I forget
That You are all that really matters
In this cruel game called life.
And sometimes I cry 
Over spilled milk
When I should be crying 
Over spilled blood.
I wish I wasn’t this way,
So help me to change.
~!~

I'm Just A Little Kid
Ting Yu

Love is indefinable
Or so I think
But what do I know
I'm just a little kid

Life is unfair
Or so I think
But what do I know
I'm just a little kid

The world is a portrait
Or so I think
But what do I know
I'm just a little kid

~!~

Remember Me
Marquena (A.K.A.) MNM

Remember me tomorrow when I'm still here
Remember me the next day while I'm still near
Don't forget me cause I am your friend 
I want you to remember me even in the end

Remember me in a week while we walk together
Remember me in a month it will seem like forever
Don't forget me cause I am your love 
I want you to remember me while I watch from above

Remember me in a year if I move away 
Remember me in two years even if I stay
Don't forget me for this is my fear
I want you to remember me when I'm not here

Remember me forever I want this to be true
Cause even in the end I'll always remember you!
~!~

IF I...
J. Gray

If I said that I love you,
When you hold me as dear,
Would you make it forever,
Would you always be here.

Would you never change,
The way you are now,
If your not sure how to love,
I can show you how.

I'd be here always,
By your side,
Loving and caring,
And you I would abide.

You've captured my soul,
You've captured my heart,
If I told you I loved you,
Could we try to make a start?

~!~

Unaware
Rachel Amedee Hill 

Telling your lies they're masking my eyes. Dreaming is sweet, time growing thin. Feeling the drama too lost to begin. Failing fantacy clawing so deep, sour yet sweet. I know who I am, see my face in my hands. Crushing my faith or is healing my heart. A tear turns to silver it brushes your cheek, a shiver it crawls all the way up my spine, so loving yet leaving my sorrow behind. A cold burning ember is freezing my mind. Do you know where I am? Do you feel as I feel? Is this real, are you there, if you were would you care? What am I learning, my conscience is burning. Everything's turning and turning and turning. I'm dizzy and weak: will I fall to your feet? Oh I'm so meek denying what I seek. I seek hope, I seek love, seek the stars up above. God please cure this pain. Am I living in vain? It may be a trend but it isn't the end.

~!~

Always a Friend
Brittany

Your eyes freeze the moment of time 
when you look into my eyes 
I feel like my soul has been taken 
away into another dimension
When you accidentally caress your hands upon mine
I feel safe that no one could be as close to me
Every time I come near you and 
you draw yourself my way 
you don't even know I'm there 
When I try to make the right move
at just the right moment you walk away
But when I try to talk, you 
do lend an ear to listen to me
You're not exactly what I had in mind 
I always thought that someday 
you would love me the same 
But I will always know that the man I love 
will always be a friend in my heart

~!~

Hey. What's Up?
Jarod Ruane

In sunlight cast upon my brow,
after winters' rain,

In laughing kids on a swinging branch,
through days who've lost their names.

A speeding race through city streets,
once skies are cold and dark,

Two purple roses I stopped to sniff,
while walking in the park.

Young love in bloom as lovers swoon,
too dazed by their delight,

A pebble skipped across a pond,
dancing in moonlight.

Eating pie as fresh as any,
looking down to find a penny,

Broken hearts so healed again,
finding lost and hopeless friends,

Open hearts for love so true,
passion felt from me to you.

Grasping on to the great unknown,
I called to hear you on the phone.

Just to say that I miss you.
and these bright times can soon come true.
~!~

Nothing and Everything 
Lucy Yao

Seconds pass like hours,
My world is out of control,
In this world pain dominates and peace is unknown.
My world has stopped turning,
I belong to the world itself,
The dark has overcome the light.
Or has it?
I have nothing,
No feelings,
No form,
No life, 
I am nothing.
Yet I am everything,
I am the trees,
I am the wind,
I am life itself,
I am everything,
Everything.
~!~

this and that
robert martinez

this the time of my life in the worst way possible
this the beginning and ending of laughter and sorrow
this the the dream of love on the brink of death

and the air carries her with me like she's part of the necessities of life
and she clings to my heart with a vulture's grip slowing the beat of it
and running from her voice and image in my head tires my mind's peace of mind

that must be the reason I fell for her in the beginning
that must of been her charm and beauty
that was then and here I am now still her but without her love

~!~

The First Time
Dawna W

When I saw you the first time
I pretty much knew.

I want to be with you.

When we talked for the first time
I knew it was true.

I fell for you.

When you kissed me the first time
I just couldn't move.

I need you.

When you told me you loved me, for the first time
I knew there was only one thing to say and do.

I love you.
~!~

 JUNE 28TH
 K SZYDLOWSKI

As I heard my mother
S-P-E-A-K
i wished i could have
S-E-E-N H-E-R
to re-arrange the order
OF OUR LIVES

~!~

Broken Memory
Karri Ann Cole

Break open my body,
turn the pages of my soul in the dark
Possessed by your voice
My voice, my silence
My hold in the dark, where everything is clear
Heart shattered
pierced by nails that are your words
Turn my eyes to the inward darkness
The eternal loophole of memory

~!~

Threw her emotions away
Locked them up away from her heart
Fed the key to her pain and misery
Tired of the effort of feeling
Exhausted by feelings not shared
Living an illusion of a life
A representation of something real
An outcast in her own mind
Misunderstood 
Hardly there


Amy Silverman

~!~

PROMISES
Breeanna

You said you'd always be there
But all you ever told me were Broken Promises
Living in your world was such a Fantasy
Don't worry about me 
Take what's left of the most precious thing I gave
My heart in which you scattered it 
And tossed it 
Like you tossed me
Don't worry and go on
Because I now realize all along
That the guy I fell in love with
Never cared for me at all
It was the promises that you made
Which made me fall in love with you

~!~

Time To Go
Gwarwyn

Come, walk in the forest with me, let's see what we can make bleed, find the
path in the palm of my mind, be small, I'll miss you and then forget you, it's
time to fly, but I can't see you anymore, no matter how willing the flesh or
heart is, this mind must be free, to make my world of imagination be real,
my will, will not allow you to hinder me, so grow some wings boys, find the
courage to take a leap off the cliff, find the balls to surf my blazing trail to
the heart of our truth, make it strong, make it sure, but make it now or else
it's time to break, let's test the metal, just to see if it squeals, I'm made
of sterner stuff than a snake's skin, tell me, if you try to move with me, will
you fall apart, what are you, what is your heart made of, let's cut it all up and
see if you shine as bright as 
me or die,

~!~

I Am I Really That Important?
Julie Weiss 

Lord why did you die for me?
Am I really that important?
Why do you care so much about me?
Am I really that important?
What about helping me through hard times and giving me a loving family?
Am I really that important?
Why were you always there for me?
Am I really that important?
What about going to get the keys to heaven?
Am I really that important?
You have forgiven all of my sins,
Am I really that important?
~!~

Awakening Truth
Zaq Madrill

As God set's the sun,
all beauty is at rest.
But Gods most beautiful creation lies awake still,
but before she can ease herself into a deep sleep,
she lies awake and wonders if she truly is in love with the one who is deeply in love with her. 
She knows love has the power to make someone's life filled with true happiness,
but also can cause someone's life to slip into a deep depression. 
So that is why she must choose what she says with great delicacy,
so that she doesn't say something that she truly doesn't know the true meaning and power that comes with three small words, 
she questions herself,
but deep down she truly knows she also is in love with the one in love with her.
~!~

My God
Corey

You are my God
I will worship you
You are my deliverer
I will do anything for you
Even if it is to die for
So here I go getting ready to sacrifice myself
But I here your voice saying stop in my ear
So I stop and wonder what to do
And you say go teach the world about Jesus Christ our Lord 
Then all a sudden I was blessed

~!~

Why? 
by Jared Coffman

Why do I try with you?
Wouldn't it be easier just to quit,
Than to get up after every hit?
Why do I run back to you?
When I could just stay away,
but without you could I go on another day?
Why do I wait for you?
Couldn't I travel the path alone,
no together we should travel the path unknown?
Why are you the light in my eyes?
Is it a lie from me to you,
no, it's that your my angel, I thought you knew?
You were not meant for me?
Was I a love sick fool looking for a new start,
no it's that you have stolen my heart.
Why?
Because I love you

~!~

I STOLE YOUR KISS 
© by Mohammad Badri 

I PERCEIVED 
YOUR LIPS 
KISSED A ROSE 
LAST NIGHT 
ROSE GENEROUSLY 
PASSED IT 
TO MY LIPS 
AREN'T YOU AMAZED? 
HOW CLEVERLY 
I STOLE 
YOUR KISS? 

~!~

"Cold"
 Lauren

Life won't be the same now
Since you've let me go.
Things have just been turned upside down
and you'd never care to know.
I feel like I'm worthless
and everyone's turning away.
I cry and beg to my very best friends,
just wanting them to stay.
You never cared how I would feel
if I was left behind.
You never thought of the tears I'd cry
or the thoughts that'd go through my mind.
Never have I been so lonely,
crying out at night.
I always thought you'd be there for me,
You were my guiding light.
Now I'm left here
standing in the cold.
My tears no longer hidden
my thoughts you have to hold.

~!~

Forever
Amber Looney

She is your friend forever and you will never part.
She loves you like a sister and her love is from the heart.
She is is your friend no matter what happens through thick and thin.
Even if you have a different color skin.
You shouldn't talk behind back or you're going to feel like a dead potato 
sack.
So please be loving your friend and she'll be loving you back.
She is your friend...
She is your real friend...
She is your friend forever.

~!~

Thoughts
Veronica Ramirez

When thoughts of you fill my mind.
Tears come out of eyes because,
I couldn't make you stay!
I couldn't believe all the pain you
went though.
You didn't deserve it.
Sometime, I try to understand,
Why I treated you that way,
Why I didn't give you everything.
And now all I have left
is thoughts of you and tears
of joy and pain.
~!~

Days of time


I look into the daylight,
Ask if I might,
Why we are here,
To contain are sight,
When winter is near,
The fill of joy,
The deepness of fear,
That can fall into one single tear.
That can surround a little boy,
In the spring,
Where he can sing,
And Still has a favorite toy,
Nevertheless, as for me, winter is cold,
As many are now told,
Life ends so suddenly with no clue,
As to when or even why things began to unfold,
So then what are we to do?

 Kayla

~!~

People on the street begin to laugh,
trying to cover up the pain they feel,
the pain I feel, 
the sorrow and the sadness,
the hurt and the loss, 
prevents me from laughing,
prevents me from moving on. 
I can't help but wonder why I hurt so bad,
when I know others have it worse.
I've never been through the drugs and violence,
teen pregnancy, gang fights, or my best friends dying.
But I have been through the rape, physical abuse,
mental and emotional abuse.
I've seen what has happened to my best friend
and I've seen what has happened to my friends that are using yet.
I feel useless, like there's nothing I can do, but there is.
I have hope. 
I believe in them.

Kristi Pratt

~!~

A voice is necessary,
A voice is needed in order to be heard.
Verbal communication, Talking words, Speaking songs and Singing conversations, 
Shouting hellos, screaming good byes, rambling discussions, whispering dialog.
A voice is sounding, a voice much needed and necessary,
Communicating, Speaking,
Talking, Screaming,
Rambling, Whispering.
A voice is necessary.
A voice is needed.
One voice congregating into two, two voices harmonizing into one.
Voices speak, Voices talk, Voices are necessary, Voices are needed
VOICES-MUST-BE-HEARD 
sTAR-cHILD

~!~

release
jacqueline

music pounding, flashing lights 
need to violate my body's rights.
reach the outside, break the ice,
to numb the pain that feels so nice.

sticky sweat runs down my chest,
cooling me, should never rest.
racing heart and naked skin,
my breathing is the thinnest thin.

please take my pain, my aching soul,
rip out my hurt, and fill its hole.
I scream inside to feel at peace,
please help me, to find release.

~!~

ENDLESS THIRST
Lord Tarquin

I awaken in my icy tomb,
Imprisoned by its walls.
I cry for you to set me free,
but no one hears my call.
Alone within the confines
Of this cold, damp concrete cell,
I find comfort in the darkness
Which shields me from my hell.
The pains of hunger eat at me. 
My body's worn and weak.
I feel the stinging in my eyes
as a tear stream down my cheek.
Tinted with a tinge of red, 
The tear stops at my lips.
I close my eyes and think of you.
Your light has been eclipsed.
I can almost taste your blood,
So rich and filled with life...
My teeth piercing your silky flesh,
As if they were a knife. 
The perfect drink - so warm and lush -
Would make me feel alive...
Its essence permeating me, 
My immortal soul revived.
But alas it will not happen 
for you are nowhere near.
I've waited countless days and nights 
in hopes that you'll appear.
I pray someday it will come true, 
and you will be my feast.
Until then, I mist still remain 
A lone, bloodthirsty beast.
~!~

TO SEE YOU
 shannon

The butterflies flutter their delicate wings against my soul like never before.
My heart beats in my chest like a loud repetitive drum tempo.
My hands tremble like it was only yesterday they first felt you soft sensitive skin against my own. 
My eyes water like leaky faucets at the sight of your face.
You turn your face at me and all i see is a love lost to distance and time.
I try to tell you "i need you" but all you do is turn away from me.
I watch you walk away-
The butterflies stop-
My heart slows to a stutter-
My hands steady like a surgeon's-
I want these feelings within my soul to come back to me,
I just need to see you.

~!~

B.F.F.L.E.A.D
Christine shekinkie

Best Friends For Life Even After Death
That remains secure in my heart, even after death.
Referring to you, Parissa Elaine Shareghi, I will always remember.
All is expected of you is honesty, loyalty, & your love that's ever so tender.
We are two that touch from the heart and soul,
Without a friend like you, I may go out of control.
Every time I need something or someone to turn to, your there,
There's nothing I would do to harm; nothing I would dare.
God knows we will be forever,
We can do anything together.
My love for you will never die,
Never to you I would lie.
All of this turns around to you,
I know nothing of harm you would do.
This will last for forever,
Anything bad will happen...never.
B.F.F.L.E.A.D

~!~

"Gone With the Wind"
Nikolai Guerra

You occupy my thoughts even now,
As looming as a dark, storm cloud.
My feelings and regards for you
Will never be construed.

Nor will I resent you 
Or forget about you.

Even now as I write in verse,
Can I get rid of your curse.
Curse as it very well may be,
Of its hex I would never ask to be free.

For you opened windows of my heart
Like an artist gracefully painting a work of art. 

Your heart may belong to another,
Distance may keep us apart,
But always occupying my thoughts you’ll be,
Looming as a rainbow does after the storm is over.

~!~

Cats
Kara Stypczynski

Shorthair, longhair, no hair too
Fat and skinny and even blue
Yowling, hissing purring, growling
Or out in the moonlight prowling

Tiger, lynx, leopard, lion
Pouncing, leaping just no flyin'
Manx, bangel, scotish fold 
Are some of the breeds I've been told

Tabby, persian, british blue
Siamese, portugese, english too
Many cats all around
Jumping, leaping on the ground

~!~

WHY
amber pekar
why do you drive me crazy, why do I think of you, why is it that I miss you, Why do I want you, why do you mean so much to me, why do I forget about everyone else when I'm with you, why do I lose my breath when I'm near you, why does it hurt when your with her, why are you on my mind, why are you my world, why do I love you, the answer to those are because you are you.

~!~

The Greatest Poem Ever
Jamie Breslin

This is the greatest poem written
Ever
It is exciting
invigorating
crazy
You have never read anything as wonderful
as this poem
Thank you
Goodnight
~!~

My poem
Nick Schueller

I do not write sonnets 
i'm no shakesperian
I do not wear bonnets
I am a man,
writer,
poet,
and all
make fun of my poem and i'll make you fall

~!~

the barney song
amanda


i love you 
you love me
were a happy family 
with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you
wont you say you love me to 

i love you 
you love
were best friends like friends should be 
with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you 
wont you say you love me to 

~!~

Today I saw Two Flowers, 
One red And other pink,
Both were innocent, which more,
I could not think.
 wishu

~!~

Colors
 Lora Moore

Pink, red, purple, blue
Don't you Know I love you?
Yellow and baby blue
I'm very sweet and gentle to you.
Orchid, indigo, and a real light yellow 
I just wanted to say hello to a very nice fellow.
~!~

Spring
Brandi Ferrarini
In the spring
the flowers bloom
it makes you happy
'cause it feels like June

~!~

SPRING
(c) 2001 by Brian Sweet


Spring doesn't rush into a room;
She just pokes in her button nose,
And dogwoods blossom, cherries bloom
In popcorn-bursts of cream and rose.

Then tawny pastures blush deep green
As virgin grass begins to grow
Where barren earth had lately been
Asleep beneath the Winter snow.

Delinquent cardinals and jays--
Long-absent since the frigid Fall--
Return, as if the balmy days
Were nothing new to them at all.

Soon trees will shed the prudishness
Of earth-tone tweed and gabardine
To gaily flaunt their Summer dress
In vibrant shades of emerald green.

Now Winter's winding to a close,
And blushing Spring steps forth again
From rivers flush with melted snow,
And morning mists of April rain.

~!~

BOYZ
Tanya 

I know this boy, he is so fine
he gives me goosebumps up my spine
every time i turn around...there he is
I HIT THE GROUND!
~!~

"10 to the End" 
SLC

Time is a gift too easily spent,
One second it's there-next-it went.
So don't let your lives delay,
Carpe-Diem seize the 
Day. I guess you had
Better be get-
Ting well on
Your way!
GO!
~!~

WHAT IF...
marlin cruz

What if poets run out of rhyme,
And bells refuse to chime,
Will you still be mine?

What if the sun refuse to shine,
And tomorrow forgets the time,
Will I still see your smile?

~!~

THE CUTE BOY
Rachel Kopetz

There is a boy who is really cute 
He dose not wear a big fat boot
Even though he's really fine
He really really blows my mind

He has a really high pitch voice
He would be my first choice
He really really likes the zoo
He does not say boo hoo

He really likes Indian games
And if they lose he gets pains
He always waves good-bye
And then I breakdown and cry
~!~

My Friends
Lauren Gulzeth

When I'm hanging around my friends
It seems that the laughter never ends
We go to the movies, we go to the malls
We talk on the phone, we do it all.
~!~

ASPEN PARK
Amanda Hovey

Aspen park is my new school, I wish it hade a swimming pool, aspen park is really cool the boys here will make you drool.

The kids are really nice, follow the rules or pay the price, nobody here has head lice, but some think we have mice.

We go to class block after block, some times we sit and watch the clock, we wonder if our lockers are locked, cause some of them smell like dirty socks.

There are lots of sports for you to do, you don't need expensive shoes, the team fights hard not to lose, win or not that is what you have to choose.

~!~

The rest of the poems are in April, 2000 Encore.