New love seen where once before, Breath came strong, and called for more. Touching bold before growing old, Exploring secrets beneath the fold. Lovers new at playing the game, Learning each other by more than a name. Heat of love changed with time, First love’s fruit picked from the vine. A look, and time stood […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “Blue Jeans”
Almost everyone wears them; Girls repair them; Very few people hate them; Levis makes them. Shirts match them; Zippers latch them; Snaps grip them; Wear can rip them. Blue dominates them; Bleach dates then; Dirt molds them; Belts hold them. Holes give them class; My granddaughter thinks they’re a blast!
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Death of a Friend”
I remember when you used to sing and play the tumbi smiling, laughing, enjoying despite suffering internally. I found your death maddening, confusing. Why would you do such a thing? I blame me. You were a good friend to me. I couldn’t save you from your drinking. You put on a brave face I couldn’t […]
Poetry Corner: Diana Teres “For the Children”
Children speaking their hearts Speaking for their lives Speaking out in Courage Fear Speaking Because their leaders Haven’t How have we gotten to this point in our country? Let the children speak Let us listen Let us protect the children now
Applications open for poetry scholarships
The window has opened for poetically inclined high school seniors to apply for a Joel Fallon Poetry Scholarship. The honor, named for Benicia’s first poet laureate, was established in 2015 to be given to two graduating seniors– one from Benicia High School and one from Liberty High School who are skilled in poetry. The […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: A Fish in a Bowl
I am a fish and I live in a bowl And to one day escape is my ultimate goal I am owned by a man who stands up six feet tall Who I watch through my bowl which he bought at the mall He often ignores me as hour by hour I plot and I […]
Poetry Corner: Katrina Monroe “No More (Dedicated to the Parkland School Victims)”
Their young bones cry out to the world, “Why?” Their please echo down the corridors of a building so anguished it closed its doors forever, its sounds of laughter extinguished. The learning and camaraderie gone, a symbolic tomb for those whose tender bodies were carried away. The young man in his loneliness cries, “Why?” Hearing […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Tin Roof Rain”
The rain is hitting on the tin roof. We’re all safe and warm inside. The dog snuggled up close by the bed, And I have my arm around you. Your fingers are running through my hair. You hear the words again, I’ve often said, “Hold me tight and love me. Breathe softly on my chest […]
Poetry Corner: Johanna Ely “I am Tired of Waking Up to the Faces of Dead Children”
I am tired of waking up to the faces of dead children who smile at me from the T.V. or computer screen. I want to tell them they are not dead. I want to reach down into the earth into the ashes and resurrect them— pull them up by their bones and hug them to […]
Poetry Corner: Bud Light “To Gail”
There was a time, alone. When all that was, was known. Our modern reverie And nobody there, but we. And, oh, to hold your hand Feet curled in the sand. In one fleet moment, to feel Something truly real. And, oh, just one brief kiss. And oh