Poems by
i.a.
One-life, timid, afraid, bruised, troubled, punished, worried, & alone. They open the door. They know the truth. No other person is painting the steps where gifts are left untouched in the corner, the other end. Crawl away from left-over voices & sighs of tremors down my spine. Hands locked/fingers twitch. Dragged, smacked, punched, & kicked 2 argue about this fear so hideous & forbidden—greeted me with hugs & kisses. A must change of clothes, 2 a performance when limited x’s were forgetful threats of fairy tales. 2 never-ending final descents of beautiful days, late afternoons, soft-blue skies, curling waves. There are thousands of us. Full of dark pasts, frustrations, cardboard boxes, selling our bodies, in rage wondering about human spirit. No one, no single tear, no echo of screams spoke of the swollen bruises on jello-shaking bodies, of confessions unheard. We are here.
22
Situations15
Angels in watch Distress in motion A view of a soldier from afar Amidst the shore of memories Angels watch 100 eyes A gathering of families & mothers 2 barely know them but they’re there Like they’re your own 2 see a man—a son Watching, looking, not in touch The echoes, flat-liners, & screams Afraid—the lights in the distance 2 be quiet Imagining birds, dolphins, jumping hills, tall trees, Watching Overseeing Angels Her urge to wake up Trying to be happy with the way she is He is accepted 2 accept that Angels watch Distress in motion Hearing music of hope She is free In sleep she now imagines
