I remember her wrinkles
the way her mouth drew up
just before a smile
the way she sang off tune
and loved a red convertible
and how one time she trapped a skunk
that was getting into her bird seed
and let him go
without getting sprayed
how we listened with amazement
and laughed
at the stubborn eighty-year-old woman
battling woodland creatures
and winning
how I always cry when we
sing her favorite song in church
God, I miss her
How Great Thou Art
how great was the woman who loved us
who was so amazing
that even a skunk knew not to spray her
loss
mom and dad
parents are still mommy and daddy
even at age thirty-six
this wrench in your gut tells you
don’t leave me
i need you
what would the world look like
Yesterday, I did a little research and reading about Juneteenth, and I was inspired to write this poem. Slavery should not have happened. It should have never started to begin with in the 16th century.
I hope wherever you are, you are enjoying the day, learning something new, and enjoying time with family and friends. Happy Juneteenth!
–AJM
what would the world look like
if no one decided
that men, women and children
were no better than savages
because of their skin color
because they didn’t live in houses
with picket fences
and cobbled stones
if no one said
i’ll take this one and then that one
stuffed them into watery cages
where people suffered, died and bled
if no one said
work this land or we’ll kill you
or rape your women, or beat your children
you’ll know no life other than terror
you’ll know no life other than work
to feel the rotten sting of shame
to not know your self worth
what would the world look like
if someone had said
show me where you come from
i’d like to understand
if someone had listened
would they know
their crime would crush
hundreds of generations
what would the world look like
if someone had
backed away
took themselves home
and worked the land themselves
6-word Stories Tell a Story on Their Own
I worked on this last week, but I guess I forgot to post. It was something I saw on a Facebook feed from a previous year. Someone had shared some 6-word stories and they were heartbreaking. Beautiful though, but amazing how they were able to portray so much with so little words. It’s such a great challenge though for creative writers.
Let’s see what you can come up with…here’s mine:
Seven 6-Word Stories
1. Brian said, “Goodbye.” Then he jumped.
2. Snowflakes danced around flower-covered headstones.
3. Black coffee drank up searing disappointments.
4. The advertisement read: need companion, non-violent.
5. Clutched hands trembled, the doctor spoke.
6. Tail wagged. The Vet said, “Ready?”
7. Birds chirped happily over rushing water.
Poem: Saying Goodbye
About a week ago, Mike and I had to say goodbye to his dog, Marley. He had Lyme disease that went to his kidneys and after a few trips to the vet we were saying goodbye sooner than we ever thought possible.
Although he wasn’t mine, I loved him. He was our family and now he’s gone. We are dealing with it as best we can. But it’s never easy saying goodbye.
Saying Goodbye
I didn’t want to say the words, “put down”
Like he was some shiny toy
We had picked up and lost interest
too cold to think of leaving
Such a treasure behind
to think of all the tail wags, the last sniffs in the snow
the moment before the final moment the worst
a deep sleep that hurts
One final pin-prick, back leg trembles.
I couldn’t find the words to say
I’ll help you
I’m right here
I’m sorry
Then, sobbing in the car like I’d lost something I’ll never find again
Tail wags, brown, liquid eyes full of courage
You’re hurt and you’re dying and all you have to say is: I love you
A. J. Morse 