Open Mic Encore July, 2002

OPEN MIC ENCORE III
July, 2002

A Testimony of the Soul
Jennifer Luise Haas

Humbly now I close my eyes,

My mind slowly drifts away,

Life is going by so fast,

There is so much I wish to say,

You have always taunted me,

Not a day passes without fear,

Fear of being lonely now,

Fear of one day losing you,

Visions have come to me since,

They make me cry inside,

This fear I hold can not be denied,

For you're my love,... my very pride,

Now I stand here without doubt,

My life is spent to you devote,

Is it the love in which I love?

Or is it the fear I fear in myself?

No one can shelter me from it,

It is with me forever more,

Just as the blood that flows through my veins,

It's the essence of what make me survive.

~*~

for lisa... because every ending, is the begining of something new

Killashandra Dawn Smelser

i'm on the ground picking back up my pearls

what i traded my wings for

putting then back on the broken string

slowly but surely i'll find them all

i'll tie the string and no one will ever know

and maybe

just maybe

i can trade them back in for my wings

repair the holes with some electrical tape and lace

and try to fly again

but for now i'm desperately searching for the pearls

it was a bad trade anyways

my wings had never failed me

the pearls broke in days

~*~

FEELINGS
Janelle MacDonald

I thought you were my friend

I thought you actually cared

You said this could never end

And that you would always be there

You would never turn your back

You would never want to see me get hurt

But now its like that's something you lack

and that you've thrown to the dirt

I guess you didn't want to try

or that is wasn't worth your time

but now its like all we do is cry

and that our friendship isn't worth a dime

I will help you out when things get rough

but what we had is gone

and I know sometimes that will be tough

days and nights will seem to long

But things will soon get easy

and may go back to the way it was

but they might not seem so breezy

but again not everything does

Now I told you what i needed to say

and finally I feel much better

But I didn't want to see our friendship have to pay

and I thought of this great letter

~*~

Goodbye
Amanda Johnson

You came into my life and everything was great. we were so good together I thought you were everything I wanted. Then you left one day and everything went up in smoke. You started hanging out with the wrong people and didn't know what to do you said you could get out when you wanted to and that you wouldnt change. But you did change you started doing drugs and then had some more problems even besides me. You started going with your new friends everywhere. We were no longer friends than one day you came up to me and said everything's okay.

You stopped doing everything it all went away from then on we were always together then one day it happened again you just went away and never came back. I saw you once more you were real messed up you needed help that I couldn't give you then you went away and you never came back. Everybody misses you their really really sad. We wish you were still here with us we really really do. But your not and its okay we will always love you and hope that your okay.

~*~

little men of thoughts

you wander so serenely

in this little head of mine.

with each my blink

see me try to fake

all my odes i can't rhyme.

glancing at the floor

if speak i do

what wishes my pretty mind,

longing for the road

feel me truly do

sauntering ahead of my time.

little men of thoughts

you make me

oh so

sweetly refined

shahan

~*~

EMPTY ROOMS

BY JOHN HAGERMAN

nothing here, nothing there,

nothing over there. just emptiness everything is gone.

everything is so cold, no covers to keep me warm.

these walls need painted, there all scared. my love

is in a box, my love is in this empty room. no lights

so i can see my way. just the sound of nothing in here.

just the echoes of love that will never be.

the tears have of all fallen on my floor.

now there's nothing nothing in here. I no this room wont

be empty forever. its going to be hard to fill.

these walls will get painted, the scares will all be

gone, the echoes of love will be a distant memory.

someone else will come in unpack there love.

and they will never no the floor there walking on,

there walking on a part of me.

THE END.

~*~

Girl in the desert
jeremy burton

girl in the desert

finds her way of life

look at the sand as a puzzling land

always change its way with the wind blowing against it

the girl follow a dream that come and went

but tells her life has change somehow

her eyes search for answers in the dirt

the sun comes to look at her sweat roll down her body

she looks on the horizon seeing water in the distance

knew its probably a mirage

she walks with ease

walking never looking down until

she felt water at her feet

this side of the story ends

~*~

Restless and taunted I remain awake at these ungodly hours of the night

I desire what I can not possess

the unknown, feeling lost and lonely with no comfort

Not even my own familiar thoughts can satisfy this space that still remains empty

Myself which I do not even recognize

I feel as if I am a spectator of another's life overtaken by emptiness

I wish to cry but my tears can not be found

Overwhelmed with unknown emotions even with desperate attempts I still can not sleep

All will power to even bring myself to move has gone

Visions of my former self replay over and over

My heart has fallen to a place so deep that it can not be picked up

my true self was ripped to shreds destroyed by corrupted youths

so who is the person that wrote these words

even with my regained consciousness i would not be able to say

Blinded by evil with no power to resist

Things came to be beyond my own imagination

Lauren Evans

~*~

"EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN"

BY LISA MELENDEZ

Torn between the city ligts and the soft suburban nights

In between a peaceful mind and a neverending fight

Somehow, in the clamor, the silence engulfs me

My mind is so very cloudy, yet somehow, I can see

Lost inside a shallow world, whose depth I can't describe

Lying just to hide the truth, which cannot be denied

Underneath my very woes, I'm on top

Though no one knows

I think and see, I speak and hear

I feel my voice is very clear

The words I speak, are what I mean

And I am everything in between.****

~*~

untitled
Scott O

only the bumper stickers will remain

all of the rest have gone in shame

the flags and posters are all gone now

and people like me are left wondering how

How could a country with such patriotic emotion

let the memories fade like a tide in the ocean

the blood of many stained the ash and the steel

And I’m left wondering how 9 11 could be real

Some people went on with there every day life

But they didn't lose a husband or wife

They didn't lose a father or mother.

A friend an aunt a sister or brother

At first the country's heart swelled with pride

As it mourned for those who were lost or died

But all the flags have gone in vain

and only the bumper stickers will remain

~*~

BLACK BIRDS IN THE RED SKY...DON'T WORRY DON'T CRY...

HE IS WAITING FOR THE STORM...THAT WILL NEVER COME...

IN THE COTTON TREE A SPIDER DREAMS...

BUT THIS IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS...AND IT NEVER WILL BE...

SHE LIVES IN A HOME BY THE SEA...FAR AWAY...FROM ME...

ANOTHER TIME AND ANOTHER PLACE...WITHOUT A TRACE...

SHE DISAPPEARED...THIS IS WHAT I ALWAYS FEARED...

RICK SIHLER

~*~

when i look in your eyes all i see is pain

when i look inside u i can all most cry out for help for u

becuz i no just how u feel and all i how to say iz that i'm

in love

shawnda thomas

~*~

JESS POEM
_-Kevin O-_

I always hated when people said they believed in love at first sight,

But now I find myself not wanting to wake up,

And it all be a dream,

I lay myself down to sleep,

To only wake up thinking of you,

But its different this time,

I choke on my words,

Once spoken of love,

Cause this must truly be love at first sight.

~*~

The End of it All.
Cornelius

I looked at the night clear sky

And the moon

In its borrowed light

Showed me the way

To a journey

I had just begun

And the end of which

I had no sight

And what was in store

I had no right.

The moon in its borrowed light

Waved goodbye to my plight

Signaling to the stars

In the night clear sky

To keep an eye on my flight

Because to eternity

I might soar

And that would be the end

Of it all

~*~

A CHILD'S WORLD

shayla marie dyer

once twice three times wasn't enough

what you were thinking ill never know

i was young you were old

i tried so hard to hide the past, never telling a soul

ashamed i don't know why, afraid of someone knowing

what would mommy and daddy say, they'd hate me i know

once twice three times wasn't enough

how i wish i could forget the times, the days, the way

your words a sweet conviction led to my everlasting fate

a child in a grown ups world

a secret hidden so deep, silent cries never to cease

Once twice three times wasn't enough

forced upon me was you and you your pleasure

my innocence became your guilt

today tomorrow and forever

i remember

the child i once was

~*~

Dreams of twilight spinning deep

Aching hardships finding sleep

with windows plenty

and cups filled empty

will i let go this thing i keep

i find sadness in joy

and laughter in tears

i find peers in solitude

and solitude in peers

the passing has come

with speed and force

leaving all behind

with no remorse

for i've crossed that bridge

my sins atoned

leaving my friends behind

and my family alone

but tears fall not

from this withered face

since finally at last

it's freedom i taste

Richard Thompson

~*~

COPY CAT

TayLora Washington

Braids, weaves, silky straight way down there back side. Copy Cat is what they be, saying stuff like I think that blonde color would really look good on me. Not being true to thyself at all, crying in the shower stall, because for some reason she was made to feel that she was to tall. See when I go to express myself with the Nonnob's or the Dreads I am to wack to African American to Black. I don't try very hard to be someone else, its hard enough for me just being myself. I ain't the female who rocks to the hippest styles on the block, I try not to get stereotyped into being something that I am not. I don't pretend to be the sexiest female alive, I just go with the flow of my expressive styles. You be that Copy Cat who don't like my style but, if Brandy putt's it on you will sport it for awhile. I can just be me "Tay" is what comes from what you see. I am who I am and I be who I be, but them so called Copy Cats ain't done shit for me, so that wack conversation about what I wear and the way I fix my dark nappy hair don't mean a thang. Don't forget where you come from, or forget who you be, I am TayLora Just me.

~*~

all you are
jen salopek

if you can look me in my tear-swelled eyes

and say that you don't love me

then all you were was a monster

if you can turn your back

on the only one who has ever gave a damn

then all you were was empty

if you can bring her to my house

and hold her hand in front of my broken heart

then all you were was evil

if you can still call me

like nothing ever happened

then all you were was naive

and if you can see your breathe

on a warm summer's day

then all you are is cold

~*~

RUINS
Adam Pettet

Sudden eruptions of scar tissue on fingertips,

an unfeeling membrane ending touch.

In the mouth the tongue twists

vainly trying to taste itself.

Gloss washed over eyelids,

the coloured plastic crumpled in my pocket

and an old man pointing a bone at my back.

~*~

PAPA AND THE SHOTGUN

BY BEN HUNT

PAPA is on the boat with a big hole in his head,coutesy of the shotgun,of course, and all the words he reeled into the boat as fish, needing the polished bones for stories but unfortunately having to retain the meat of madnes,well, all the meat,the madness, the leftover words are flying out the back of his dead head and taking off on a giant wind, joining the rantings and ravings of a thousand generations of prophets,poets,madmen and saints, that rise like steam off a boiling sea, to form the saddest of sad stories for me and the sad faces in bewildered clouds to ponder as we sail this sea of dreams,this sea of screams...

~*~

Life Brings It Back To Reality
Andrea Fletcher

The day was a surreal one

Until life brings it back to reality

Walking, stamping, knocking-

Loud music playing

Microwave on, done,click

Eating time, quiet again, for one moment

Until life brings it back to reality-

For how long

Will it be surreal again?

Life will bring it back to reality.

~*~

OFFSHORE

By Patrick Rice

Make a wish upon me,

And I will never fail,

Eyes that yearn to dry themselves

Shall never shed a morose tale;

When we cry the ripples bend,

So vainly do we hope for when

The day of grace shall wash ashore;

What wave arises evermore

Is home of heaven in your will,

So never should an angel weep;

A well of sorrow's only so deep

That hope can one day fill

~*~

STEPPING UP

Justin "Right"

Everyday I wake up

Everyday I'm shaken up

Everyday I'm actin' up

Everyday I step up

I try my best

I play my best

I act my best

I step up my best

I try to be smart

I try to play smart

I try to act smart

I try to make an impact

~*~

Painted sky, Colored Waters
Matthew Sipress

Raindrops sing as they fall

like a chorus of voices,

tranquil and radiant.

Sunlight tickles like a feather

with the warmth of its rays.

Snow on the mountains

sparkles in the sunlight

like glittering stars

on a swirl of sky.

Nature's artistry expresses itself

as Gaia rejoices with hallellujahs,

painting the sky and waters

with her angelic voice.

~*~

You Will Always Be My Mom and Dad
Sharon Molina

You brought me home at three days old

I was chosen by you, I was always told!

Another woman carried me but gave me up that day,

That other woman thought it would be the only way.

Then you cam along with your arms opened wide

You told me that you loved me and you would be my guide.

You raised me from the start like I was your very own,

If it hadn’t been for you and dad I would be all alone.

You taught me so many things everything I know!

You taught me to walk and talk You watched me grow.

I may not be of your genes because you did not carry me.

But there are things stronger then that - love is the key!

You were there through all the years, the good times and the bad

No matter what happens, you will always be, my mom and dad.

I may have found my roots and found something I was looking for.

But I have the two of you and I couldn’t ask for more!

~*~

TOO LATE
Kaytee Reah

its too late for me to take you back

so hit the road jack

its too late for me to love you again

so stop trying to be my friend

its to late for you to win my heart

we need some years apart

its too late for us to reconcile

so stop trying to get me to smile

its hard to refuse you

so give me a clue

its hard to love you not

so don't let me give you another shot

at breaking my heart

don't even let me start

i'd be lost without you as a friend

damn, there you go doing it again

loving me with your eyes

its hard to remember the lies

remembering the past is so hard to do

especially when i am with you

~*~

STARDUST

Tracy Emick

Molecules, matter,

Atoms shatter.

Fallen from the sky

we don't know why.

Sent to wonder why we wonder why.

~*~

Love's Passing

mien

If you must ask

Why now when we are trudging

paths that lead separately; two lives

To be freely lost in the jungle

of the new refuge-quicksands of youth

To psych us in, make us forget

Only kiss phantoms in the end

Ask not but ponder deeply

Away from your great mind's library

To the times when you sinfully

Stirred the haloed creature within

Made wings of her bent back

held her sacredly in your reverent eyes

Lifted her up for her to fly

If you must ask still

Why now when time leaves us

Spare me for I only drank

The wine from your palms

Do not, not now when I grieve

Love's passing, our little death.

~*~

"A pessimist is one person,

An optimist another.

And us, the in-betweens:

Human beings

So why

Do we still persist

In assaulting each other, my love,

with things

So fragile,

Brittle,

Transparent?

Don't we

Already understand,

Knew that

Words are merely beheaded swords,

Lacking a view to gauge

The depth

Of its plunge

Into the screaming flesh?

Of hurt

That runs down the Tree,

And poisons the Fruits?

Sad

Plagued

Fruits"

Yisa

~*~

“When You Walked In”
Sara Lee

May your life be better than mine.

For mine was not all wine and dine.

I ended up hurting all the time.

I went through many broken hearts,

And friends being torn apart.

I’ll never forget that year

That dreadful school year

When I even thought about drinking beer.

I try to forget all that went wrong.

My days were always so long.

Sometimes I even thought about suicide

But luckily my TRUE friends were by my side.

Somehow the always knew when something was bothering me

While everyone else couldn’t see.

Every night I dropped to my knees,

Asking, begging God that something would go right

(and obviously He heard me)

Because you walked into my life.

And now nothing can go wrong again.

I’ll never forget that day,

That wonderful day when you walked in.

~*~

UNTITLED

Leo Coronado

If you could see me

The sparkle in my eye

The on my teeth

The charm in my smile

You would be proud

Of what they made me do

Of what has become of me

Stripped to the bone

Dressed to the T

I'll never be the same

I'm never coming back

I wish you could be here

When all of the bodies

Come floating back to shore

God bless your short memory

~*~

THE BABY
serena wiber

the baby crawled up the wall

and turned herself inside out

and made herself grow so tall

that she tantrumed and started to pout

her mother was desperate in getting her down

but the sulky child was a disgrace

she took off her mother's evening gown

and slapped her in the face

~*~

The hallway that I walk is full of twist's and turn's,

Don't go to close to the fire or you might get burned,

But the fire is so beautiful and bright,

And keeping away from it is a constant fight,

But I am intrigued by the glow and the warmth of the fire,

The closer I get to it I seem to get higher,

So I walk closer warmed by the blaze,

And everything is blurred in a purple haze,

I reach out my hand ignoring the warning of pain,

Because the beautiful fire is calling my name,

The flame's are leaping higher and higher,

The warmth has taken over so I get closer to the fire,

The fire is beautiful glowing orange, purple, and green,

How could something so beautiful want to harm me?

But harm me it does and as I burn to ashes,

The beauty fades, the purple haze passes,

And now I am hurt and in much pain,

The fire continues to burn calling my name,

The fire is still beautiful burning so bright,

But I can't touch it, it's a constant fight.

Laura Glass

~*~

Why Do We Get Ourselves Into Messes?
Shelley

Why do we get ourselves into messes we can’t get ourselves out of? Why do we get caught up in lies and deceit? Pain and suffering? Where things just don’t make sense. Some one please tell me why some guys are sweet and some seem sweet then turn sour. Like sweet and sour candy, sweet on the out side and sour on the in. They give you drawings and call you their baby, but it’s all lies. It then makes me wonder if the sweet guy’s telling the truth. It makes me sad when I find out they truly meant what they were saying, because I lost them. So I’m trying to figure this out. How do I tell the difference between a sweet guy or a sweet and sour guy? Some one needs to tell me.

~*~

Everyone wants to be remembered

not for what they did or never did

but somewhere inside of them

that is why they make friends

and become who they are

They might not realize it

but like Leonardo and other greats

they are and will be remembered

To be remembered is to have a name

it just happens without a name you are just a another person

but with a name you have a identity and to be remembered

is keeping that identity remembered.

Marlena

~*~

- As I remain, Only in your eyes, in your heart of hearts can you define what I mean to thee!

- As I remain, my dreams & visions entrusted to you. Slowly blinded by my love to point where I could no longer see.

- As I remain, In constant self-discovery, overwhelmed by life’s defining moments. Each moment adding or subtracting a piece that is I but never leading to the equal that is you.

- As I remain, A love so immense it is implausible that it could be defined with a label. Poised, equipped, endowed and willing. Preferring the fairytale instead of the fable.

- As I remain, a confused soul aimlessly wondering the earth in search of his place. Probing for the fulfillment that I once enjoyed from her embrace.

- As I remain, A new disciple of romance

Anxiously waiting for chance to glance into the tender heart that is “ her’s ”.

- As I remain, aching to disseminate my undying love.

Recalling each heavenly mole in their place, It’s only her I wake up thinking of.

- As I remain, insecure, unsure, trying to endure my emotional plane.

Or should I say surface, asking God “ what’s my purpose?”

- As I remain, a black man trying to hold back the tears summoned from anger, disappointment, frustration, deception & pain. Constantly being defined and redefined with each new interaction, & yet I still remain the same.

- As I remain, Val, Eminent 1, son, friend, lover, brotha, false or true.

- As I remain, it can only be defined from whatever meaning I am embraced which in turn is reciprocated from me in trade to you.

vcharlespierre

~*~

Be Strong
Nor Faizah

Loss of hope, Loss of strength

What do you feel when you lose both?

Never mind the sheers people give,

Never min the insults you receive.

All these are lessons that should be learnt,

And NEVER to repeat itself on earth.

Loss of hope leaves you depressed,

Loss of strength gives you no rest,

Hinders & barriers are part of life,

Which anyone in the right mind COULD survive.

You should not be sad coz' you could regain your hopes back.

DON'T LET NO NOTHING PUT YOU DOWN,

Let that be the word around.

Regain your hope, Regain your strength,

No one can help you but yourself,

No more tears, No more lies

Just pluck up your courage,

& see the evil die...

~*~

PROMISES

Kelly Maples

You promised me that i'd be free

You said nothing could stop me

You said that i could fly

I looked at you

for fun

for love

for friendship

for inspiration

You promised me we'd be together until the end of time

You helped me through and let me live

I loved you

for your help

for your heart

for your confidence

for your strength in me

You promised me that i'd be free

You said nothing could stop me

Then tell me why you hold me back

for fear?

for hope?

for yourself?

You promised me, now i'm promising you.

I will back!

But its my time to fly!

~*~

Life is..

-T.Ashwin Kumar

Life is like a glass of orange juice

With floating islands of twinkling cubes

Simmering around like a poet's muse

Grabbing your dreams yet letting them loose

Its like wearing goggles of the sunrise

Doing things without thinking twice

Waking up late in the night

To turn around and hug someone tight

Walking with your legs

Yet flying like a bird

Seeing with your eyes

Yet looking away from the crowd

Its trying hard and failing

Like breaking your mast yet sailing

Running the race like a cheetah wild

Yet losing it to please a child

Throwing pebbles in the still water

To create ripples with your hearty laughter

Walking around that familiar bend

Along the roads that will never end.

~*~

Earth Chapel
peter sterner-howe

In the city

we imagine the cars are wild horses

Buildings become mountains

piled high one on top of another

until they are small and one

under a great expanse of sky

where cave creatures dwell

climbing into the bellies of the horses

making false light against the night

a collective prayer to forestall the dawn

a curious perspective

from our eyes we may leave and leave

We are an old tree

small and wizened, gnarled

our Children flowers at our feet

A soft wind lifts their hair petals

Rain joins the smiles of our tears

rolling down the ancient bark of our face

Nature is our peace

our religion

~*~

*LIQUID EMOTIONS*

Heather Spelts

I am a Bottle that eases all your pain but when your done I'm empty and so are you-

My outside appearance is shiny and clear, My inside appearance is thick and hard to swallow-

My affect on your life was at first not big but after awhile you needed me, to feel worth-

I am a thrill, match maker, home breaker, party maker there all in my job description-

It maybe hard to except but, You need me now, I've convinced you, Your nothing without me, Letting go of me would cost you a lot-

Worried by rejection you swallow me down and the bear the bitter taste to be found-

No longer able to live, have fun or even breathe with out me, I am empty and so are you, I shatter-

I am an addiction a disease and as you look at me, the empty bottle in you hand, Trying to find yourself, lost in my bitter taste... You drop me and as much as it hurts to fall... I'm strong.

You need me.

To be strong for you.

~*~

Every time I open my eyes and see her, I think of you.

I wish she liked the things you do.

Adore my every step and hang on my every word.

Critically spoiled.

I find myself trying to make her you, while she sleeps

not knowing the longing for your touch in my emotions.

Come back to me and be what I need.

I will leave her for you like you left her for me

Kym

~*~

As time tics by,

people laugh and people cry.

Often you may ask why......

Knowing damn well, you'll get no reply.

And it seems no matter how hard you try;

or how many reasons you can give,

as to why you feel that they must live.

The things you hold close,

and the people you love most,

are the ones you'll raise a toast,

and hope,

and pray,

and say,

"I really wish it wasn't this way...."

but hey

who can say,

that in the end we won't meet again?

Jeffrey M. English

~*~

I'LL NEVER STOP LOVING YOU

-NICOLA MAIR

I know I've never shown my feelings,

Like you'd want me to,

It doesn't mean I don't care,

I just don't know how, and you do.

I think of us more than anything,

I couldn't handle it if we were apart,

I'll love you until the very end,

Like I have done from the start.

I don't care about what other people think,

Or the fact they think we wont last,

I'm sorry about arguments we've had,

I hope we can leave them in the past.

We're going to have so much fun together,

Think of what lies ahead,

I wont turn back, you're part of me now,

I mean everything that I've said.

I know you're going away soon,

And wont be back for long,

I'll never change, I'll try not to worry,

With you is where I belong.

You may never read this poem,

Yet, if someday you do,

Let's have the best summer together,

I'll never stop loving you.

~*~

FLOATING

MAYBEN

in dreams

the forest is blue

the sky

smells green

old arms

wooden limbs

bare & brittle

with the onset of snow

Pan dancing in

the bitter fire

playing for

the fairies who

draw the moon

~*~

Chaser of the Dragon
By: Tanya Marie Franklin

She's been chasing the dragon

For so many years

When she thinks of stopping

She breaks down into tears

She thinks of all her morals

That were sucked down the drain

She was looking for some happiness

But all she found was pain

Her life got so confusing

And there was no place to turn

Felt nothing but the torment

And the way her body burned

There's nothing there to satisfy

Or fill the needs she wants

It just wont leave her head

The memories still haunt

She's still living in the past

When her future stays untold

No ones there to comfort her

There's no one there to hold

She's still trying to find meaning

In her life that gives

So deep down inside of her

The hunger it still lives

Chaser of the dragon

Will you ever be okay

Just get down on your knees

And find the strength to pray

~*~

Penance is punishment

unbenounced to its subject.

It's not quid por quo-an eye for an eye.

In its own measure it comes, it goes.

It's the gift that keeps on giving-the gift you give

so that the anonymous recipient

you don't know you hurt

feels paid back.

When you think you are done

you really were just meant to start.

When you think you're having fun

you're just numb - you've only just begun.

Penance is abstract

as in when ethical standards are too vague to be entact.

What you think your punishment should be

is more than or less than that.

It's as haphazard

as the excuses for what you lack.

Jeff Bailey

~*~

I'm addicted to my thoughts

this morning---

the scent of sandlewood loiters

in the air from early yesterday.

<~~~~~lament for the death of emotion~~~~~>

I speak at you with words

as powerful as powerless;

I've seen your naked eye,

frozen and blue,

a fragile mind.

helpless in my speechlessness

words long overdue

can you catch me now?

can you miss me now?

can you exist?

the girl stares, confused

illogical

the sky so blue this morning--

the illustration of my mind

my thoughts evaporate in the sunlight.

Liz Pellegrini

~*~

King of Jacks
Ryan J.

The beeping draws me closer

Pick up, receive, forced by my king

Kill my brain so I will not have to think these thoughts anymore

Plastic roses aren't forever like diamonds are

I am the jack of hearts, but a jack none the less

My ember naked body

drop in cold glass

Please, be my guest, you were expected

kill my brain so I won't have to inhale

let me touch a rose half way up the stem and make it satisfy my lust.

make it bow to its king

~*~

The pain is coming

I feel it in my heart

It bleeds of pain that is brought to me

My heart drips of thick drops

Each one of them is meaning something

Then they get me to think

Death is coming; it can solve my problems

Death can help me find my way out

That shall be the path that I walk upon

More pain is coming in from different places on my body

I watch the blood start to fall from me

It hurts for awhile; then I can't feel it no longer

I think to my self; maybe everyone will be happier

They can live a better life without me

The I fade slowly seeing nothing but darkness

As my heart takes it last beat

My breathing fades, and its done

Only thing left are the memories

Samantha Jo Sether

~*~

Tangled Web

L.S.Watts

Tangled web of useless faith

that I'll never need

Washed up memories hit me hard

and wipe my blind mind clean.

Conditional love is what I bare

and hope is what I seek

Waiting for life to unwind itself

before this cuts me too deep.

Wanting freedom is my alibi

it's money wasted in my wishing well

Asking for something I cannot have

People whisper "only time will tell"

You can take your morals and rules and lies

and throw them to to wind

For I have tried my hardest through this

although for some pleasures I have sinned.

Tangled web of useless faith

that one day will be mine

Unleash its hope and trust for you

that day, the real me you will find.

~*~

WHEN YOU WASN'T LOOKING I SAW:

When you wasn't looking; I saw you open the door for a crippled person.

When you wasn't looking; I saw you take in a helpless creature and nursed it back to helth.

When you wasn't looking; I saw you care about someone who didn't sleep.

When you wasn't looking; I saw you give a safe place for someone who needed it.

When you wasn't looking; I saw you give away your special places that you go.

When you wasn't looking; I saw you share your beer and cigars.

When you wasn't looking; I saw you share your life.

When you wasn't looking; I sent you an sprit to look over you.

When you wasn't looking; I said thank you.

SHERRY A MULLINS

OPEN MIC Encore I, July 2002

OPEN MIC ENCORE II July

Go check out the AHA Archives for more poetry. If you would like to send in your poem to Open Mic. Go to the AHA!POETRY Homepage for new ideas.

~*~

OPEN MIC ENCORE III July, 2002

OPEN MIC ENCORE III
July, 2002