OPEN MIC ARCHIVE

Updated December 1, 2000

I Am All Gore Hear Me Roar!
By Mary J. Kellar

I am Al Gore hear me roar,
In numbers too big to ignore,
I am looking like a fool,’
Send these counters back to school.
I’m sure if every ballots counted,
Victory, I surely could have flaunted.
And the victory for Bush,
Suddenly would just go Whoosh.
Bring the counters back to count,
Make it up so I can flaunt,
It all in Bush's face,
Oh, I beg to take his place.
Oh, I know I really won,
Tell your daughters and your sons,
This is history in the making,
Present rules we are forsaking,
We’ll make new ones in mid-stream,
So I can realize my dream,
In that oval office space,
Is where I long to put my face,
Never mind it isn’t fair,
To those who voted, well who cares?
I’m the one now don’t you see,
Who deserves your president to be.
After what I gave you, my pet,
Why I invented the Internet!
Now can’t you count for me?
Just you lie if votes can’t be.
I am Al Gore hear me roar,
In numbers too big to ignore,
If you don’t toss that George Bush out,
You’ ll hear me scream, you’ ll see me pout.
I am not a happy camper,
When with numbers I am hampered.
I’ ll do any thing you’ll see.
To win the presidency,

~^~

"Forgotten Touch"
K. Affleck

I kissed him in January, but it was awkward and messy. 
I kissed him in February and it tasted like chocolate.
I kissed him in March and it the bitter cold melted away.
I kissed him in April and it rained.
I kissed him in May and flowers began to bloom.
I kissed him in June and it was warm and spontaneous.
I kissed him in July and there were fireworks. 
I kissed him in August as we laid on the beach.
I kissed him in September but it was rushed.
I kissed him in October, but I had forgotten what it felt like.
I kissed him in November and I knew it was over. 
I kissed him in December, I kissed him goodbye.
~^~

SEPTEMBER
Ramunas Jaras

Bent over in the metal hut
Above the apostolic devil's spells
You chew bread pressed against the corner of your palm
You gnaw on the air with your nostrils
And the lunar butterflies jerk about with their suffering wings
The homeless beat at the windowpane harder and harder - 
September

~^~

summertime is all we need 
to feel that way again
rain induces kisses that
piece love together and
these lies never survive
but its nice once and awhile
to believe that someday
we'll have the summertime
and that rain and each other once again

Lucy

~^~

Summer’s Heat, Now Autumn’s Gray
Taronis

Dark the water lay as I forced ripples across the glazing
We pushed on this early hour, before the sun
A few minutes portage over a stony path
To the lake of our summer’s past
Where boys grew to know the world
The pond in which we swam, played, and grew

Years have passed since I paddled this water
As we went, I remembered her
That girl I saw in years ago, playing
That girl had grown along with me, wanting
Remembering the day of our first embrace
It was here, at this beech, under a summers heat

Looking beyond the speckled black
Of morning’s light on my wake
Familiar patterns emerge, jogging memories
Memories long stowed for want of time
To reflect and relive theses few happy days
When they were planted here

The remembrance of summer’s long spent day
Of youthful warmth given over to middle age mediocrity
Of hopeful dreams given over to settling
Of youth gone, and love past, the time has gone
But as I gray I will cherish the memories
Reviewed on this blackened glass, this lake on early morn

~^~

I wish that I was a bubble so I could float around all day. Wait! No! I might hit a tree and then, I would be gone…away. So, I wish I was a bird, so I could fly high in the sky. Wait! No! A hunter might shoot me and then, I would die. I wish I was a bunny quick and cute as can be. Wait! No! A fox might eat me! Well, I wish I was a cat so I could lie around all day. Wait! No! My owners might forget about me and I would have to run away. So I wish I was me, just plain as can be. Yes, that is what I wish to be…just plain old me. 
Katelyn

~^~

crisp and white cold like steel i know the day has begun again when i look into the sky and see the sun.
edevenny

~^~

Ragged Flamed Candle
David Koepke

Redhead
kneeling into this
warping inside face 
of dune. Her hair
streams from the small
tilt egg of her face. Arms,
gloved to the elbow in red silk
X across a slow breathing chest. (

Image
in a cameras
long telephoto tunnel. A
young man in badly sweated khakis
performs the framing, looking up.
Going on a minute now... While a cloud
holds the sun. The dark lens surface
in the hide and seek light snaring this

"twitch".
) 

~^~

THINK AGAIN...
Lori S. Maynard

WE ARE NOT SUPERIOR,
THE EARTH, WE DO NOT RULE.
FOR, GOD CAN'T MAKE ANOTHER EARTH...
WE'VE RUINED ALL HIS TOOLS.

~^~

Blackberries no longer cling
To the vine where used to sing
The mocking bird with plumage gray
As I sat while thoughts would play
With those of Thomas Merton.

The berries are gone, the bird is too
Though the air’s still warm and the sky is blue
But I still sit and feel the power
Of the watchman in the tower
Who was this Thomas Merton.

The vine still lives and lets me know
That soon again the fruit will grow
And I am sure too will the bird
To mingle song with every word
Of those from me and Thomas Merton.

And so the question, what’s left to hold
As another ending does unfold
With memories mirrored in our face
Another start, a new disgrace
And the words of Thomas Merton.

Michael Bahm

~^~

The glass broke when the bowl hit the floor
And the fire is to hot for me to hold
I lost my soul when I exhaled
Don't I have something warmer to do
Than compare this to a bad episode of sitting around looking at you
I know you well but you forgot me the moment you
Fell in love
With a substitute you are and I am in a battle between the ceiling and the floor
I can't take much more The lines keep getting longer and I am running out of patience
Not to mention time
Another round is what you're gunning for
The winner is the floor
Jillian Thomsen

~^~

Halloween Heart
Holly Ueda

Broomsticks and bats
Cauldrons and cats
There's something in the air.
Goblins and ghosts
Pumpkins on posts
We swear you'll get a scare.
Witches and wands
Bolstering bonds
Perhaps you should beware.
Flickering fires
Lingering liars
Watch out where you step-snare.
Curses and candy
Brigands and brandy
Plenty for you to share.
Halloween heart
At dawn depart
From morning sunshine's glare.

~^~

Pain..
annamandujano

a better, yet different version of yourself in the same time and place.
What difference would it make?
You'd still hurt and feel pain coming at you in waves.
It's the worst kind.
You can't breathe when you awake.
It scratches and fights it's way back in, it won't
go away.
You feel drained, but you must go on and don't know why.
It feels like death coming for you, it taunts you and never
comes.
Where are you sweet death that would finally put my soul to rest?
Why so long?
Is there a reason why you wait?
You look up at the stars, and feel completely helpless for the first time in
your life.
You don't want to go on mentally or emotionally, but this time it's physical
as well.
I don't want to be here God.
The pain takes over like bitter cold sinking into every pore.
Maybe if you sit here still, you might understand it.
Because you finally know that it won't leave you.
So stop fighting it, it's all that you have left.

~^~

why is this the way
by woody story

father sky has turned away
mother earth weeps
the great white whale has spoken
the four leggeds have returned to the earth
the rivers run black
the deer and the wolf have forsaken us
the sky shows no happiness
why have they come?
my brother lies drunk in their jail
my sister lives in their drug world
our crops have died
our fish swim no more
our families wander unfamiliar land
our language is not spoken
our gods have died
our young are their young
the elders speak only of memories
the teachings are forgotten
the indian a white
the warrior a beggar
the mother a thief
gather what is left my brother
quickly reap your heritage
return to what was
leave behind what is
look as the eagle
not as the coyote
bring back father sky
dry mother earth's tears

~^~

Unity
Dave

We are scared at what is different
Separating ourselves from one another
Division among neighbors
Conflict among piers

Upper class and lower class
Black and White
Violence to solve problems
Ignorant towards others

Might makes right
But what about talk
Are we so different?
Are we not all human beings?

~^~

The heart has no eyes 
to become prejudiced with
All it knows is how the touch of a hand,
a word,
or even a passing glance
brings an indescribable feeling 
freedom that only a fellow heart could know.
The heart cannot see skin colors,
social lines that we've drawn
it's as if an artist,
pencil in hand,
has colored outside the lines 
of what we've been told
is normal,
and so, 
when I see you, 
I see you with my heart
and nothing else.

Anne Holley

~^~

Life
Jennifer McQuaig

When we get out of the dark tunnel,
When we get through it all.
We will find nothing to fear,
So we'll stand up nice and tall.

We all have to learn life's' lessons!
They seem to get harder,
And you think they never help.
But they seem to make us stronger.

We have to accomplish the obstacles.
Or we at least have to try.
Even if we don't complete them,
We can go on and say good-bye!

If you try to run or hide,
You won't get very far.
You have to face your problems.
And I don't mean wishing on a star!

~^~

Moon
Heather Wunsch

Marry me to the moon.
For my hand has waded
in deeper waters.
The sun no longer
shines its brilliance
upon my skin.
And my dreams float
somewhere
way up there.

~^~

One-word waiter
Mika K S Tienhaara

As if he would be a great storyteller - I ask him - Please tell me something
And he says one word - Birra? - Mistaking me - Looking great
In his white shirt and black trousers - Oh I see - I think - He's a waiter
Another word comes out - Vino? - A conversation can be born
Just under this very second - Requesting a answering rocket 
To be launched in the white shirt waiter's – Direction – Vino - And he is caught
Tries to be high fashionable - And ignorant - Has to earn his money though
And this could be a very stupid kind - Of conversation with some non verbal abroad
Tourists he thinks - Blanco? - Si, I spit out with flaming eyes - As I think this is the greatest opportunity ever - to have a conversation but I understand it is just
to feed my hunger and put out the fire in my dry throat - he acts correctly and so cold
great manners but he has said his last word - could count them on one hand´s fingers
the one word waiter has gone dumb - later on asking for the bill 
he turns around in the bar - like doing some kind of dance steps 
tips on his money machine - turning wheels - typing numbers on a paper sheet
which he puts under my nose - without a word - what a mystery man

~^~

Thinking of You
lilqte

There has only been a few times when i have seen a tear fall from his eye,
the last time was when he didn't get to say good-bye.
All he could think of was her lying there with blood on her body and mixed in her hair.
The thought of the sight made him cry,
so he laid his head down and wanted to die.
The only thing on his mind was, why did it have to be her?
The rest of it was all a blur.
He laid in his bed all cut and bruised, 
he figured if he died he'd have nothing to lose.
He closed his eye,
and a tear ran down his cheek.
I guess drinking and driving can really make someone think.

~^~

Ben
Erica Howard

Will I ever get to see you again?
If I do, Will this pain then go away?
Fast and suddenly like you did that day
If you come back, which I long for you to
Will my heart no longer be black and blue?
I want to look into your eyes again, which 
are the color of the ocean
If I tell you how I feel, would you show any emotion?
I want to tell you my love for you will never fade, even
though it has been this long since you strayed
No one will ever compare
Which makes me think, life is so unfair
~^~

Blurry as it may seem
Its stronger than a brick wall
When I breathe, it all comes in 
Giving me tingles and wakes me up 
Words don't begin to express
Fill me up with dreams
And I will show you how its suppose to be
I lay with crossed feet
Afraid of it letting fall 
Shiver of the thought 
That has build me high
Stay in me
Willing to give all 
Intertwined like ribbons
And focusing on becoming one
End the world with anger
Feel like floating with no strength
Just drift in flowing water
Lock our touch that brings security
Never let go of love

Lauren Razzpal

~^~

Poem for Seth
Jessica Weems

My love has flown away
like a sing sing bird of prey
It makes me sad that your really gone,
but I know that you were wrong.
We argued and made up 
and you told me not to interrupt
You want to say it, everything
but you hate it when I try to sing.
I want you out of my life for good
but you want to stay up in my hood
Finally, we make amends
but I'm afraid it will happen again.

~^~

Untitled
Sean Hayden

Like gods in a temple, composing fate;
wealthy wine bibbers gather to watch
the theatrical saunter of ill-defined
men. Men who go unnoticed, dark shades
in a dimly lit world; sympathy offers
them no feasible compensation.

Hope is hunger; these actors famished.

Phantom limbs grieve, like a mother
who has given birth to a still born.
What can satisfy her, or ease 
her discomfort? She is incomplete
while at the same time whole,
her sorrow perfect.

~^~

In Silence
K. Lee

As I walk down the street, I can see faces
all the same to me... but they are different
they tell me to give to them
for whatever reason their voices go unheard in my heart
I walk by them.... silently
as I silence the voices in my head

Do I care? Do I have a heart? Are they as human as I?

I see a man, he tells his story to another man
he tells how he came to be here.. a this place in this time in his life
how he struggled not to drown, not to succumb to this life

He hope the man will understand and reach out, offer some hope
maybe the man does, I don't know, I walk on.
~^~

"Home"
Geoff Gilbert

In the darkness there's fire
Cold fire, dark fire.
I shudder, while the icy fire
surrounds me.
I see my breath appear in the 
frosty depths,
And fade into the darkness.
I feel at peace here,
Alone and secluded.
At home.

~^~

PYRE
JDC

It dances, licking the air
Reaching for sustenance
Yearning to spread
Its heat tightens my skin
And tickles my eyes
As my tear ducts surrender.
My primal instincts cry in hunger
This ever-changing entity 
feeds upon my breath.
Shifting, rolling, laughing
It calls me inside.
I am forever lost in a trance.
My eyes fixate on its spirit.
unaware of reality
I am tied tightly by the hands of
the flame

~^~

Bad Things
Isaac O'Bannon


My god,
you have no idea how much I wanted to kiss you.
There is no way you could know how I wanted to wrap myself around you,
how happy you could make me,
tender,
smile,
touch,
breath.
Simple, I think.
And beauty, and warmth,
and truth,
and love.
No doubts.

If I cry,
please don't think it's a bad thing.

~^~

Falling into Hell
Tina Wisniowska

Hold me close now don't let me stray
Into that dreadful world so far away
When I drift away I suffer so
Through the most ill-sighted things you will ever know
Blood drips from the roofing overhead
The demons with putrid flesh seemingly dead
A frightening darkness so cruel and cold
I walk alone with no one to hold
Take me away from this soundless hell
Take me from this place I fell
But sadly there is nothing you can do
You can only help me if you fall to

~^~

ESSENCE OF LIFE
 Jodie Cook 

One's certain ability can lead to what one desires
For only one can choose from what one achieves
And be proud of what one can accomplish
Only if resistance could stop the elevation of denial
Then reassurance can be one's peace within
And love can become the Essence of Life...

~^~

I thought of you today
6 October 98
Paul A. Ruell

Your kiss is bliss from the cup of delight
This thought of you day and night
Touched lips make a passionate wave
A memory cherished and saved
Always with me my love
Carried swiftly on the wings of a dove
Until the day we never part
Once again a whole heart
I search for you along my way
Longing the day we meet to stay
This known by searching the soul
Through our eyes forever whole
I thought of you today
This was all I had to say

~^~

Grotto
James Morrison-Steward

Once majestic arches slump,
Like a tired labourer.
Broken backed, ravaged
by time, nature.
Auburn walls resilient to,
teenage daubing and urban sprawling.
Since 1720 to present day,
a monument to life.
Once Dreamt up, joyously planned
Architects filled with parenthood glee.
Grows like a beautiful child.
Adorned with glass, fine metals and seashells,
a blue azure interrupted with brilliant white.
Child with mothers make-up box.
Now in old age, lichen covered
Skin peels, a weak smile.
of broken windows and doors,
Boarded up, often I wondered.
WHAT LAY BEYOND DECAYING WALLS?
A glorious gathering in 
Champagne spirits.
Her only gift to me
Once a year, a trickling stream of
old age tears.

~^~

Curiosity killed the cat
But the wolf ate the cat
Is the wolf doomed as well?
If the wolf
Cries to the moon
Is the Moon
Doomed as well?
If the moon
Dances w/ the sun
Is the sun
Doomed as well?
If the sun 
Sheds upon us
Are we
Doomed as well...

Wolfie (Claudia Hollows)

~^~

Dreams spill out like ink on parchment
and scribe their destiny's list
Foreseeing behind the shadows
a moon-lit colored-rain mist

Day by day and fly by night
One dream from waking dead
The bottle is the hidden graveyard 
for the voices in my head

Inebriate masks of amber and gold
Disguise the fear within
Delivering me the distant palace
of peace-surreal-within

A constant battle, a tug of war
Should I stay or should I go?
My Life did leave me on the Floor
A long, long time ago

They've come and gone, yet I remain
My Heart has turned and bled
"A box of rain might heal the pain"
But I think that has been said

Crumble-Waves-with rising tides
Ashes strewn and free
That I might find a winged' guide
To deliver me to thee

 J.P. Dufrechou

~^~

I TO I
Scott Collis 

I
MY 
NOW
LIFE
DREAR
FORGET
MYSELFS
IDENTITY
PERVERSED
DREADFULLY
MEANINGLESS
REFINEMENT
REDUCTION
SELFWARD
JOURNEY
NEEDED
AGAIN
FIND
WHO
AM
I

~^~

I Found My Stranger
Candi Cook

I found my stranger
My dream lover.
I found him only to find
I knew him all too well.
I found that I was searching for a myth,
a never-ending fairytale.
I only wanted something 
that I had invented in my mind.
So I go on living my borrowed life from day
to day only to never find myself. 
Always changing, but always staying the same.
I just wanted something more...

~^~

NIGHT SKIES 
LLOYD DEVENNY

Stars shine in nights frosty air. Moon smiles in yellow green light. Quiet and still as i walk along the path. Who knows what wonder i will see tonight. 

~^~

THE KEY
IMPRESSIONS FROM THE HEART
ARCHER - David M. Bayliss


IN THE EARLY EVENING SKY, THE SETTING SUN REFLECTS THE FLAME IN MY HEART
THE SENSATION WAS SPARKED BY YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND THE GLEAM IN YOUR EYE
REALIZING THE STRENGTH OF THIS FEELING GROWS SO MUCH STRONGER WHEN WE ARE APART
ONLY TO ARTICULATE THE KNOWLEDGE MY LOYALTY, ADMIRATION AND MY LOVE WILL NEVER DIE

STANDING ALONE AS THE SUN SLOWLY SETS AT THE END OF EACH DAY, MY MIND IS WITH YOU
SUCH BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS ARE THE STARS AND THE MOON REMINDS ME OF LOVE ONCE HAD
THE JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE AS MANY EMOTIONS, BUT I KNOW MY LOVE IS TRUE
WITHOUT YOUR LOVE, DEEP DOWN INSIDE I HAVE A HEART THAT IS SAD

EACH NIGHT WITH THE MOON AND STARS THERE IS HOPE AS I PRAY WITH WORDS NO ONE HEARS
KNOWING TOMORROW BRINGS ANOTHER DAY AND LIFE MUST GO ON WITH OR WITHOUT LOVE
WITH THE LORD AS MY POWER AND HIS LOVE INSIDE, I HAVE NO FEARS
SOMEDAY TO WALK HAND AND HAND WITH YOU AMONG THE STARS AND MOON ABOVE

AFTER EACH SETTING SUN I DO LOOK FORWARD TO TOMORROW
I AM A STRONG MAN AND I WILL NEVER LIVE IN THE PAST
FOR YESTERDAY HAS ALL THE PAIN AND ITS' SORROW
I HAVE THOUGHTS OF HOLDING YOU AND FINDING TRUE LOVE AT LAST

AFTER THE TWILIGHT SEEING THE MOON SO LONELY AMONG THE STARS THERE IS AN EMPTINESS I BARE
WITH MY THOUGHTS OF KNOWING THE WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL WOMAN THAT YOU ARE TO ME
THE MYSTERY OF LIFE IS TO LIVE THE BEST WE CAN WITH OUR LOVE TO SHARE
TO UNLOCK THIS LOVE, ONLY YOU HOLD THE KEY

~^~

WHAT'S REAL
- Jerry Lucas

The happiness will fade away
Just like children's laughter
For their innocence will disappear
Then they will die soon after

The happiness will fade away
Like a stallion on the run
As a father runs away
And leaves his unborn son

The happiness will fade away
Though no one can really see
As time wears away the earth’s mountains
We destroy it’s precious trees 

The happiness will fade away
And our life’s just one raw deal
For in the end I’d have to say
Pain’s the only thing that’s real

~^~

"PEACE OF MIND"
poetic_bob

Carry me out the ocean, where my drifting
thoughts flow free.
Guide them to a far distant land, that only
the mind can see.
There I shall paint a great portrait, of what
this world should be.
A place without senseless wars, and human
poverty.

~^~
Yesterday's Promise
T scott smith 

Staring down the barrel, of another
shattered dream,
The fabric of this charade, torn
and ragged at its seams

Twitching finger, upon the trigger,
of a promise gone astray
The blast, and then the silence,
free from the promise yesterday

Crystal snow covered landscape,
cool fresh smell in the air
Its just an illusion, beneath the
ground is dead and bare

Place the finger on the trigger,
cock the hammer to the rear
Itchy finger on the trigger,
savor the flavor, of the fear

Twitching finger on the trigger
of a promise gone astray
The blast, and the silence, free,
from the promise yesterday 

~^~

ANYTHING BUT BLUE
"Curly Raye"

You walked in, my heart skipped a beat,
I got "all flustered", my face flushed with heat.
I was hoping and praying God would arrange a meeting;
Then you walked up and began with a greeting.
My arms ached, wanting to hold you ever so much.
All I could think of was how I desperately craved your touch.

Since I saw you, you called my name,
I felt your touch, and you the same.
Since I saw you, you drew me near,
It all became decidedly clear.
You love me, and I love you.
My world would now be Anything But Blue.

Anything but Blue, my love,
Anything But Blue,
Since I saw you,
I'm Anything But Blue.

~^~

If you are frightened of dying and you're holding on. And you made your peace then the devils are really angels. I'm losing patience, can you take me away tonight from a land where my soul doesn't shine hot oh so bright. Will you hold my head up when i'm drowning. Can you help me to swim. Can i depend on you to bring my life at ease. If i just give in. Will there be help, or will there be sin, either way doesn't matter i've already stepped in. walking through this bright hole. seems i've been hanging around for days. Have i got to you that's why you turned away. Cant stand to see me this way. I may be gone but i still see. Don't walk through the door. Not yet. I'm sorry i have more troubles than answers. It will take awhile, but in the end you'll understand. That put in this position you wouldn't fair to well.
logan

~^~

He's always there for me,
The first one who actually cared,
There is no doubt in my mind,
That he will never be here.
He makes promises,
That he'll always keep,
His Love is strong,
And my soul is weak,
But he picks me up,
each time I fall,
holding me closer,
Protecting me above all,
It took so long to trust him,
for past relationships I based,
The love I have for him,
can not ever be erased.
But time will tell,
If my soul won't be reaped,
And if it's him,
Still here with me.
Melissa Kathleen Ruggiero

~^~

"PEACE OF MIND"
Robert M. Hensel 

Carry me out the ocean, where my
drifting thoughts flow free.
Guide them to a far distant land,
that only the mind can see.
There I shall paint a great portrait,
of what this world should be.
A place without senseless wars, and
human poverty.

~^~

Sonnet 4
Joshua Allen Larson

Could we ever be just friends,
a friendship and no more?
Would we be able to talk
and not think of before?
And would we find
another person to love
and not dream about
what we had between us?
But even if we could,
maybe do such a thing,
would it possibly be worth it,
to have you not wear my ring?
I see sparks fly when we touch,
friends isn't what's meant for us.
~^~

Airless
Chase Alan Carter 

Just because i'm down,
doesn't make me lower than you,
just because i frown,
doesn't mean i want to,
there's medicines,
that fill with sin,
who was i thin,
and now to them,
in the days of summer i swim,
to you a angel of velvet skin,
just because he's alone,
doesn't mean he need you,
a john boat can't be a home,
it's little things so true,
there's hate filled cupa,
to make you shut-up,
to make them tuff,
i have felt enough,
so strut right past this class,
to filled with ash,
in recent past,
and just because of tears so blue,
its business isn't yours,
take your gallon's made to stain you,
let it too, fill your pores,
your drama,
terrorized by parallel trauma
wearing you thin,
against your next of kin,
and be what you believe,
he would say to me,
i cannot conceive,
sh*t! i cannot even breathe

~^~

We are the class of 2001,
Five years together but soon we'll all be gone,
I'm dreading the day, 
We all go our separate way,
I've thought of this day for five long years,
And every thought always brought tears,
But it's no longer thoughts it's soon to be real,
The day of my life i never wished to feel,
I want to hold everyone close that i know,
Hold on tight and try to not let go,
We've helped each other through ti all,
We'd pick each other if one of us did fall,
These are the friends i consider the best,
These are the friends I'll never forget,
Forgive me now if I cry,
I just don't want to have to say goodbye.
ClaireLouise
~^~

LOST/GAIN LOVE?
ASHA NEELAKANTAN

Mother gives all the nectar of her breasts
To the new babe without any qualms
She never thinks of the next to come
As she is so fond of the one at home

What we give her when our legs get strong?
Neglect?, Scorn? Or what along?

Nature fondles you as a mother
But what do we give in turn to her?
Love? hate?…or simply terror?
As one’s duty to the benefactor? 


Let us look back to the age of stones,
Who treated woods as gods 
And bowed in front of stars
And prayed for the world peace 

And let us keep the mother alive 
For the sons and daughters yet to live!

~^~

The Lurid Crow
Steve Morris

Beautify bland color, say your name and I follow
You're a god, a martyr, followers a thousand young
Feel the grip squeezing tighter, prophet like a python
Eye the prey conformer that makes a thousand plus one
I need someone like you
Someone that can relate
Feel me, feel what I am
Tell me why I should hate
Your words cut through the locks
That kept down painful things
Hold up my head for me
Show me what hate can bring
Maybe you preach the truth so that we will shame our sin
To deny our temptations, to peel away our skin
Softly extend your arm to keep away creeping harm
Send your followers to save, send out your seraphim
Feeding on hate and fear
The message gets into my inner ear
Swimming around my eyes
Pictures begin to materialize
Mind-numbing stories become stimulations
Outlets for expression and aggravations
The puzzles turn cubed in your explanations
Infinite ways with endless calculations
My end begins with a stand against diversity
Fear among truth hides well in this negativity
A cynical song can't prove pessimism's wrong
Independent thoughts become considered heresy

~^~

Mmmmmmmm good thing flashing lights radiant beams
So may wonderful schemes yet un-thought
Mmmmmmmm how wonderful dirtiness seems when it leaves no stain 
that can't be cleaned or caught
Mmmmmmmm how just with a flip with the eyes can tantalize 
trigger the movement of the mind
Mmmmmmmm how the sound of one's whereabouts in big crowds seems to melt all doubt, happiness joy confidence sprout into the clouds and rain falls gently into the the open mouth
Mmmmmmmm how I'm licking the wound of yesterdays beating 
thinking only of the joy from the adventures I have experienced 
Mmmmmmmm how every fractured bone be healing not to be reveling or sealing any
suppressed inner feelings
Mmmmmmmm how I'm lost in words, words that show no hurt, I could kick myself in the back and throw my face in the dirt, jump from a tall building just to land on my feet - absurd?
Mmmmmmmm absurditys got no obstacles or sense of shame 
absurdity eats its way like a mighty flame
Mmmmmmmm how I've prescribed my own doze of remedies pulled the plug out and indulged myself in a self-composed symphony, in a stream of mellow tunes I consume the bloom of yet another rising moon
Mmmmmmmm understanding is so demanding, loosen become unfastened close the eyes slide through violin strings dance with queens sit amongst kings fade into angels wings 
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I feel an urge for chocolate!
Daniel Tuladhar

~^~

That first moment
When I caught eyes with you & 
You caught eyes with me
I knew this was the beginning to something new
I wasn't sure what was to become of this moment so obscure
But I know it would be great
Something I would not have to contemplate
The sexiness of your body
The essence of your character
The softness of your heart
I wish never to depart
The brightness in your smile
I haven't seen such in a while
I will continue to search 
for the traces of love 
that grow from the depths below
and the world above
Traci Tribble

~^~

I Thought I Saw You...
Deryn Bates 

i thought i saw you late last night
drifting by in the moon light
the air so cold, so blue, so clear
took my breath and pulled me near
too soon you passed and then were gone
my hand reached out but you carried on

i thought i saw you in the park
your peaceful gaze left its mark
you wandered slowly through the grass
with the breeze you let it pass
the trees gave way as you walked by
sun-drenched tears filled the sky

i thought i saw you in a crowd
walking amid a human cloud
but there is only you i see
in every face, even in me
as a sea of strangers wash you away
i stand and wait for another day

~^~

standing with you in this rain
i've never felt this type of pain
i'm wishing it would go away
or just that you could stay one more day
when you asked me not to cry 
i knew you had to say goodbye
but is this how it has to be 
must you walk away from me
with my heart in your hand 
will you leave me to stand
out here in the cold
without you to hold
to think i used to fear "forever"
now, all i can say is "never"
i don't want you to go
please, don't let this be so
i need you here with me
why is it you can't see
that we're supposed to be together
for all times, you and me, forever

Joni A. W.

~^~

Aftermath
Carrie Schutzius

when you can't find the words and every thought's escaped your head
when everyone seems so far away and none of them could understand
then who will catch you when you fall? who will be there when you call?
when every road has you wandering farther from home and noone stops to 
lend a hand
when every call you've placed has gone unanswered and heaven seems to have 
disappeared along the way
then where will you run to catch your breath? where could you go to feel alive?
when people stop loving and everything's a blur
when night after night everything stays the same and your dreams don't go any 
further than the tip of your tongue
then how do you go on living? how does life still seem worthwhile?
when death would be a great escape and heartache and heartbreak keep clouding 
your vision
then what makes you keep trusting? what kepp you goiong long after the fact?
when the person you want the most is chasing someone else and your heart get 
heavier with every tortured breath
when you can't get numb enough and everyone tries to understand
then why do you stay? and how do you go?
then where do you turn? and who do you want around?
then what do you live for? and what would you die for?
when your eyes are dry and the tears won't come and everything you've ever 
known is lost with time
when fear overcomes you and yet the tempt of adventure is too great
when resolution isn't an option and letting go just seems like too much
tell me: who do you trust and who do you love? where can you go and where do 
you return? what heals your heartache and what causes another? and how do you 
keep moving through the aftermath?

~^~

Somnambulate.
jan oskar Hansen

A late November night I swam 
Across a deep lake where grey mist
Wears away pale haze.

Half way I sank to the bottom where
Fallen stars reside and filter tipped 
Cigarette butts drown.

Where empty beer bottles find their
Final resting place and skeletons of
Unlucky anglers meanders in silky silt.

Where schools of shiny booze caps dance
Watched by fingerless rubber gloves
and unlaced boots

Where portholes of rusty wrecks are 
Blinded by elbow shells and silence is
An inferior grey mass on slimy rocks.


White topped, Black Mountains and
A frigid moon bore witness to 
My heroic struggle.

A man loving turtle rescued me
And on its calm back rode to
A sludgy shore.

Just in time, the lake froze to a sheet of
Silver, that will keep my secret
Till nothing matters anymore

~^~

The pen glides smoothly about,
Caressing the page as my thoughts flow thick,
Meandering to and fro bold and quick.
Dashing, curling, swerving, ink rushing along,
Each loop and dash a symphony of harmonious song;
Each curve stout, graceful and delicate, 
Subtly joining with the next in diffident etiquette.
And as each drop descends itself into the fabric,
So we see how it works its miraculous magic.
For as my pen strokes each line upon line,
I see shattered pieces of the puzzle align;
They now unite in spontaneous flurry,
Suddenly crystallizing as from my pen the words scurry.
Faster  and faster my pen flashes,
As it synthesizes thoughts in countless whorls and dashes.
In haste I drain words from my head, 
The page eager with ink to be fed,
And of a sudden my wandering eye perceives
What the first look has so craftily deceived.
For now I see no more splotches of ink, 
But a living, breathing picture so perfectly linked

Of me.

Oh, yes I do find it strange to see
My bold thoughts gazing straight back at me;
From the depths of the page they pierce up, up above
And to all those who see them, they show who I was.

David Wheelock

~^~

Here lies a man, broken and dirty in the street
I don't want that, I need it all, can somebody help me breathe
walking down this alley cracked bricks, like tattered dreams
the weight on my shoulders is too much, i want to be free
Nothing left for me so why do i stay, why can't i move
can you show me the way, can you give me truth
the man lies motionless, emotionless, trapped in the prison of my mind
is he dead, has he lost his mind, he left everything behind
i can only find one way to be free
i walked up closer and He, was me

I will never "Rest in Peace"
Ian Rahmatulla 

~^~

Untitled
Shawn

Society is a lot of talk.
They wanna scream about what they saw on tv.
They wanna cry about sex, drugs, music, and violence.
What about the poverty?
Someone is cold and very alone because everyone wants to rape the land of milk and honey.
It's always about money.
The United States is nothing more then a set for hollywood.
A change needs to be made but no one thinks they could.
See it's how a nation, under hypocrites, that's indestructible could be in a wide spread state of denial.
Their honesty and sincerity may take a while.
What about the kids of america?
(Our future leaders?)
Well they need to know that their parent's back hurt.
No one will be carried for eternity.
Shut the fuck up and face your insecurity.
Please stop blaming music and tv.
It's makin me sick.
Keep your face up.
Be real with yourself.
Be real with everyone else.
Let the whole world see that your another person
that's got a voice that wants to be free.

~^~
Fiend in the night for the night by the night 
little ones will cower with fright 
for the darkness shall rule over again 
for the day and night repeat with sin 
sin in knowing when enough is enough 
yet not caring or giving a scuff 

The moon to the sun telling lies 
fighting for power fighting for skies 
the moon dark and evil for stealing light 
the sun bright and soft providing sight 
for all times they shall battle for the power of the skies 
jake

~^~

TIME ON MY HANDS
mrtlanier

Time on my hands 
And I don't know what to do;
Empty hearted romances
But I don't know with who.

Though time is on my hands
And my heart continues to roam
I stumbled across a place, I can call home,
No not Paris , Italy, or Rome
It's simple a place were I feel alone.

Deep in my soul
For that's were time begins;
I simply contemplate on fond memories
And let the time on my hand end.

But. . . .

Just as time brought the fond memories,
It must also take them away
So I continue to have time on hands
Until this present day.

~^~

" I believe"
lover2588

I believe my love is true.
I believe my heart belongs to you.
You have two and I have none.
So if you love me,
Then I'll meet you at the golden stairs.
If your not there by Independence Day,
I'll know you turned the other way.
I'll give the angels back their wings,
And all their heavenly things.
And go to hell just for you.
So if you want, you can believe it too. 

~^~

YOU...
Ariana Sarmiento

You, master of my innermost agony, I cannot
believe you are still here. You, thief of my
heart, owning the single copy of the key,
and yet, you don't care.
You, possessor of my innocence, you alone
hold something so sacred, so invisible, so
permanent. Never to be again.
You, captivator of my soul, knowing I cannot
live without it, do not let go, even after
you murdered it.
You, holding the knife, saturated in my hot
blood, stabbing me repeatedly on my back,
and yet, you stand there, staring at me in
my climax of pain, watching me slowly die
for you, for the love I believed in, and
gave everything to. You, you have taken my
life, and now you gaze at my body as it
follows the dark trail my spirit left
behind, letting no ray of light escape.

~^~
DANGER IS COMING...A BOX UNDER A BED...WHY IS MARS RED...IN GREAT DANGER...
BODIES IN THE AGELICA TREES...WHAT HAPPENED...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...
GO HOME AND PRAY TO YOUR GOD...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...DONT ASK ANY QUESTIONS...
DON'T MAKE OBJECTIONS...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...IN A BOX...IN THE WHITE HOUSE...
ON CHERRY TREE STREET...FIRE IN THE STREET...AT TEN THIRTY...THE DARKNESS CAME...
NO SENSE IN THIS...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...RUN BUT DO NOT HIDE...IN THE SKY...
THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR THE RIGHTEOUS...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...IN THE SKY...
ON THE MOON...STRANGE WORDS...TELL ME WHAT TO SAY TO THE ENEMY...
IN THE SKY...THE WORLD WILL DIE...TAKE ME TO THE PLACE OF HIDING...
FLESH OF THE PUPPET...IN A BLOOD SOAKED BOX...IN THE SEA...IN THE SKY...
NO EXPLANATION...BODIES IN THE STREETS...ITS TRUE...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...
I HAVE NO HOPE...I HAVE NO REASON TO CONTINUE...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...
UNDER THE RED SKY...IN THE EYES OF A DRAGONFLY...FLESH OF THE PUPPET...
SCREAM...SCREAM...SCREAM AS LOUD AS YOU CAN...RUN...RUN...DON'T STOP...
RICK SIHLER

~^~

AN OLD,OLD STAR
Amber Marie Bowden 

I may have been heartless 
in many things I have done
through out the years.
I had wanted you forever,
and still do, as I sit
and cry all these tears.
Life will go on and on.
But I feel like I can not.
I'm searching for somthing
in life that I may have forgot.
I looked deep inside me,
high and real low.
It seemed to be just
plain missing,
the searching was slow.
Then finally I sat
and used my brain,
though it hurt to try.
Then I remembered
what had been missing.
I couldn't help but just cry.
Memories faded into view 
from the times past near and far.
They shone like thelight
from an old,old star.
A star that knew 
about mistakes and pain.
A star that knew love
when it came.
Slowly these memories 
vanished away.
Again I was alone with
nowhere to go, 
and nothing to say.
This certain stars life
has gone away forever and ever.
That love once there
is no longer holding
those two people together.
Now I know what was 
missing inside.
It was you, my love,
my valentine.
So now with these last words 
our lives will part.
Though it hurts 
more than ever
we have to move on,
and make a new start.
I'll miss you
and remember you.
Never forget you,
and always love you.
I'll sit at night
gazing at the stars,
still remembering the one
that used to be ours.

~^~

A LITTLE ATTENTION PLEASE
Darryl Steiskal

In the faces of children today
I see so much dismay.
You see it too
and wonder what to do

You want to stop their loathing 
and say give them food and clothing
They'll get by.
Well, that's a lie.

They need you to say,
come on, let's play.
Make your smile bright
it will be their guiding light.

They need to see you rejoice
just hearing their voice.
Their life must have some meaning
if there is going to be redeeming.

~^~

Christmas
Dave M.

She was his girl.
He was her boyfriend.
Soon to be his wife.
And her to make him her husband.

A surprise on the way, anyday, anyday.
One healthy little giggling, dribbling baby boy.
The wise men came, three made their way
to shower him with love
while he lay in the hay.
Shower him with love,
love,
love was all around.

Not very much of his childhood was known.
Kept his mother Mary worried
always out on his own
He met another Mary who for a reasonable fee,
less than reputable was known to be.

His heart full of love,
love,
love was all around.
When Jesus Christ was nailed to his tree,
He said, "Oh Daddy-o I can see how it all soon will be.
I came to shed a little light on this darkening scene.
Instead I fear I've spilled the blood of my children all around.

Oh, the blood of our children's all around.
So I'm told, so the story goes.
The people he knew were
less than golden hearted.
Gamblers and robbers
Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers
Like you and me.

Rumors insisted he soon would be,
for his deviations taken into custody,
by the authorities, less informed than he.
Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers
Searching for love, 
love,
love was all around.

Preparations were made
for his celebration day.
He said, "Eat this bread, and think of it as me,
drink this wine and dream that it will be
the blood of our children around."
The blood of our children all around.
The blood of our children's all around.

Father up above, why in all this hatred do you fill me up with love,
love,
love is all around.

Father up above, why in all this anger do you fill me up with love,
fill me with love, love, love?
and the blood of our children all around.

~^~

The Christmas Present
written by Billy M. Smallwood

I heard a knock on my door one Christmas Eve,
As I looked out my window a man I could see,
he was cold and seemed so lonely and upon a bended knee
he asked can you spare anything for me to eat...
I opened up the door and as I helped him in,
he looked up at me with such a peaceful grin,
As he drank down some coffee and had a bite to eat,
I put more wood on the fire so he could warm his feet...
Over there by the fireplace he warmed his tired hands,
I wonder where did he come from, this quiet white haired man,
but I wasn't at all afraid of his peaceful ways you see,
this man dressed in poor, almost as poor as me...
As he left he turned and thanked me for all I had done,
but he forgot to take his gloves, so out the door I run,
He was gone in the blizzard and I couldn't hardly see,
so I took his ole glove's back to the house with me...

Just a little after midnight I awoke in the dark,
there wasn't a bit of fire just glowing cinders in the dark,
and where I'd placed his gloves by my little Christmas tree,
there laid a brand new pair, and a Christmas Card for me...
and it read....
You gave me shelter and food to keep me warm,
you even tried to bring me my gloves in the storm,
so here's you a new pair,... the finest ever seen...
as an angel of the Lord
I'll be sure to tell the King....Merry Christmas...

~^~

Pure Joy
joy

pure joy
is Christmas morning
with the family,
racing my brother down the stairs
trying to be the first to open my presents
and losing every year.

pure joy
is seeing the plate that held Santa's cookies
now lightly dusted with crumbs
and waiting anxiously 
as my mother gets the camera ready
to capture the looks on our faces.

pure joy
is ripping the wrapping paper 
from the gift I wanted most
not knowing if Santa
or my parents brought it,
and not caring.

pure joy
is the smell of orange bread
spreading through the house
after all the gifts are opened,
before the relatives arrive
and the turkey is brought out.

pure joy
is watching the smiles around the table
as stories are told and re-told,
as food is passed around,
as glasses are emptied,
and plates are pushed back.

pure joy
is going to my grandma's house
eating more turkey,
playing with my little cousins,
staying up past my bedtime
and falling asleep on the way home.