The violin wasn’t invented until 800 years laterSo he could not have actually fiddledWhile Rome burned—But that doesn’t make it fake news either,For metaphorically speakingHe giggled his way through the destructionOf his own civilizationAnd we will not forget. BesidesWe already know that history is repleteWith omissions and additionsMisrepresentation and liesBut we’re fully capableTo use our own …
Ode to White Zin was published in Out Loud: A Year in Review 2019. (Dedicated to my ex-husband’s cousin whom I’ll never have to see again for the rest of my life, thank goodness) When I offered him a glass of wineHe hesitated and asked what kindWhite Zinfandel, said IHow pedestrian, he repliedAnd rolled his eyes …
It’s not because there aren’t stories to tellIn fact, there are too manyTightly packed in an airtight sackAnd tendered with the admonition to Never spill the beans For beans …
Look downFor found treasures:The fallen featherThe melee of mushroomsA stone unturnedA leaf –Tiny tokens of a bigger worldThat carry voices of the growling earthAnd the high pitched hum of skyThe keening of the clouds and theSingsong chatter of grass The greatest gifts are almost hiddenGrounded in earth tones and symbiotic notesInviting us to listenTo the purest of …
Russian dressing topped our salads During the same years We hid under school desks, Arms protecting our heads, Tensing until the blaring alarm subsided, During the same years we took cover from low-flying planes Unsure if they were dropping bombs Or mosquito repellent— Or just buzzing the corn fields because it was fun. Tangy and dark …