LOSS, IN THREE HAIKU
BY NATHAN HARRELL
I.
perched high, shadow tree
sitting below, two lovers
surveying their death
II.
dragonflies buzz by
eyes meet, fingers touch, smiles fade
their hour is over
III.
breeze of sweet decay
hugs exchanged, embraced good-bye
blackbirds softly weep
JOURNEY OF THE SUN
BY ROBERT SIMPSON
Why does the sun rise every morning?
bbbbbbAlarm clock ringing in its ears
Why does it rise every morning?
bbbbbbGet up sun, you’re gonna be late
Why rise every morning?
bbbbbbAching from the night before
Why does it break the horizon?
bbbbbbDrinking the morning dew
Why make the shadows grow small?
bbbbbbThe journey is long and tiresome
Why warm the meadows and squirrels?
bbbbbbThe frost refuses to melt
Why dance across the sky?
bbbbbbLove, the moon, trapped in night
Why does it hide behind the mountains?
bbbbbbGoodnight sun, get some sleep
Why does the sun rise in mourning
When it must set all the same?
THE CROSS
BY JEREMY ROWE
We are the ones who shine bright in the dark
Who refuse to be extinguished and are doomed from the start.
We are the ones who die throughout life
The lambs chosen for the world’s sacrifice.
We are the bitter, the sweet, the hot, and the cold
We can’t escape the fiery coals.
And this is our role.
Give to us your pain and your hurt,
The thoughts that dwell beneath the dirt,
With the worms and the grubs that feed on waste,
We transfigure the scowl upon your face,
Accepting our place as we pay the toll
Branded from birth to carry the torch
And the heavy burden of our souls.
THOUGHTS ON A CAREER
BY VASA CLARKE
Come off it, then! What is your future plan?
You’re in good health– your future’s gleaming bright!
Do tell me, are you now a businessman
Who makes great piles and does cocaine at night?
No, sir. I aim to live beneath a bridge
And hike to Florida when it gets cold;
Beneath the arches, I will make my home
And pass my days alone, til I grow old.
