
2 minute read
Poems by Erik R. Nusom a.k.a. Finesse
ODE TO FREEDOM
Can you see the beauty in a blade of grass?
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I can.
Just walking down the street breathing, taking in all the city has to offer.
Exhaust, the aroma of food, the smell of hot pavement in summer, that cool smell once it has rained.
That’s freedom to me.
Can you see the beauty of the rush of air that precedes the A train as it comes to Fulton Street from B.K.?
I can.
To be able to look in her eyes and just trace the curve of her face with my finger... in silence,
even if it’s only for a moment and only a memory...
That’s still freedom to me.
Can you see beauty on the tiniest or grandest of scales, be it a baby’s coo, or the thunder’s rumble?
I can.
Just the fact that I sit right here, right now, delivering this poem to you...
That’s freedom to me.
What does it mean to you?
Erik R. Nusom (a.k.a. Finesse)
DECISIONS
Do I continue to die? Or choose to really live today?
Walk around mindlessly? Or think with grace and logic?
Believe the media’s hidden lies? Or seek the answers that lie within?
Will I spend all my days regretting poor choices? Or learn from my mistakes?
Give unconditional love? Or abrogate that love to those I love the most?
Place blame on others and hold grudges for a lifetime? Or accept responsibility for my own actions?
Go the distance and triumph? Or fall short and ultimately fail?
Let madness engulf and deconstruct me? Or fortify myself by embracing and defending truth?
On and on, and on, and on it goes...
The decisions you make will shape the moments you have.
Erik R. Nusom (a.k.a. Finesse)
UNTITLED
I’m the scent of her home cooking wafting down the hallway.
I’m the nuts...no, the hot fudge drizzling down the side of that sundae.
I’m the one, oh-so-elusive Cracker Jack prize.
I’m that shimmering sparkle in the corner of Momma’s eyes.
I’m the cream on top... or the fruit at the bottom.
I’m when you see all the good things in a person and your lover’s the one that got ‘em.
I’m the feeling you get when your baby gives your finger a tug.
I’m that fresh foam, Friday night, at the top of your beer mug.
Oh yeah, these are but a few of the good things I can sometimes be, but today, I’m just me.
Erik R. Nusom (a.k.a. Finesse)
ASC’s Creative Writing Workshop provides a forum for creative expression, healing, and hope for people affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit ASC’s website, www.ascnyc.org, or call 212-645-0875.
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