The Poetry Marathon

Seeing You

You look past me like I ain’t here and maybe I ain’t.

Sometimes I wonder if there’s anything I can do to make you look at me, but you wouldn’t like it if I tried. It feels like you’re turning the dials on a radio that doesn’t stop on my station.

I used to try to look in your eyes. I know you’re in there. But you don’t see me, so I guess I stopped tryin’. I tried smilin’ a few times, but you always thought I wanted somethin’ and I guess you were right.

I didn’t ask them to blow off my legs over in Iraq. I was a strong kid from Kettle Falls. Felt indestructible. That was a long time ago. But I knew if I fell down that you’d help me up. Guess I was wrong.

I like list prompts/tasks. I’ve used all 8 words. And added a twist of my own. (All of which equals … LONG. BREAK! WAHOO!)

4WD

the moon is a lake of glory
glory silvering the jeep you drive
drive so carelessly over
over the breastbone above
above my heart crushing
crushing the canopy of love
love you once built there
there — where i have no panic
to spare

Heat rising

humidity building

unhealthy air

breathing difficult

storms later, maybe

no relief

heatwave

Do you have a spare breastbone?

Mine was shattered,

By the light of the moon,

Under a canopy of stars.

I drove my Jeep

To the far end of the lake

Looking for you,

Tasting the glory I would know

When our lips met.

Was it panic that set in,

When I saw you outlined in silver?

We’ll have to use it, because no other word has been invented

To describe that flying apart.

Soft canopy shades,

Moon’s glory crept across the

Lake with time to spare.

Floating

Lue

August 13, 2016

Avalanche.

A peek.

To the top.

The view is amazing.

About to leap once more,

deeper into this fantasy.

Pan out ~ See how the Hawk C’s

Well grounded, yes, and Bliss.
Well rounded, maybe, it’s all opinion.

Trusting in self and those around.
Trusting each one to simply Be
this act is profound you see.

If you have doubts sent this way, please, turn that mirror around, and head the other way

or

sit down, observe and enjoy Your show.
Be mindful you are the hero of your own role.
Trusting you so got this, just like everyone else.
“This” however, is a perspective, so go easy on yourself.

Traci~IcArtnU
(i. c. art)

Late Saturday afternoon,

familiar summer sound revs up,

neighbors’ lawn mower blats along

as the grass flings out of the chute.

A sudden metallic CLANG!

halts the motor abruptly.

Various *!@#!! words float up to the window beside my desk.

Futile pulling on the starter rope,

twice, four, five dammit times.

Surrender.

Evening quiet settles.

Moon suspended in a canopy of stars
And a lake so perfectly reflecting the sky
It feels as if I’m floating
No longer able to tell up from down
Panic thumps against my breastbone

When the snow begins to drift from above
It becomes easier to tell up from down

the moon was bright, full in all her glory
we drove for hours, under tree-lined canopy
an evening picnic, by the moon lit lake
Down the long winding dirt road

we drove for hours, under tree-lined canopy
we talked all the while, as the moon rose
Down the long winding dirt road
as our love grew and unfurled

we talked all the while, as the moon rose
the moon was bright, full in all her glory
as our love grew and unfurled
an evening picnic, by the moon lit lake

©2016 Amanda Potter

MISSING:

A Miss Antonia Benton

Last seen wearing:

a light blue jumper with gray converse and two brown-haired braids

Last heard:

stomping her little feet in a Walmart over no more getting to the push the cart

Last spoken:

to her mother distracted by clearance signs and the intercom announcement, which said…

“A FORMAL REMINDER TO OUR CUSTOMERS:

HOLD WHAT YOU LOVE CLOSELY, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR LOVE IS YOUNG.”