Suite A32 clutched their chests
and scurried to clutch their breasts.
In a suite party of such sweet
laughter and honesty,
they knew not to hold their giggles,
but they knew to hold their towels tightly.
it was naked joy, naked trust,
naked loyalty and naked respect.
naked memories of naked respect.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Michael's Kidnappers
Michael W's kidnappers were performers, conductors
conducting a dance of conducting themselves
which left the rest conducted.
Of course the boy's health was the first
thing before and because that's why
arms shrouded any ability to stop
arms that both gently escorted
and hurriedly assured their right.
Arms that assured rights visually in Rolex, diamond ring
Versace and Vera Bradley clutch bags clutching
this boy into the beamer, now beyond Bryant Park.
though oddly words never met actions
and that was the genius, the beauty of the show.
conducting a dance of conducting themselves
which left the rest conducted.
Of course the boy's health was the first
thing before and because that's why
arms shrouded any ability to stop
arms that both gently escorted
and hurriedly assured their right.
Arms that assured rights visually in Rolex, diamond ring
Versace and Vera Bradley clutch bags clutching
this boy into the beamer, now beyond Bryant Park.
though oddly words never met actions
and that was the genius, the beauty of the show.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A Poem for LGT on a Rainy Day
we're in this room because of rain
cramped together, uncomfortable and together
not expecting and expecting
in our thoughts, in our writings
what a brilliant idea on this
particular and particularly rainy day.
we will write personally and we
will write uncomfortable and together.
cramped together, uncomfortable and together
not expecting and expecting
in our thoughts, in our writings
what a brilliant idea on this
particular and particularly rainy day.
we will write personally and we
will write uncomfortable and together.
Yale in the Rain
An institution of higher learning
looks far better in the rain.
In the rain, buildings are adorned with imposing cornices, archways
scowling hyenas as gargoyles and corners are tinged green
and some stones are lost in the
run-off from class to office.
People only come out in pumps and loafers.
Neighbors only come out alone with collars and briefcases.
In the rain, an institution of higher learning.
looks far better in the rain.
In the rain, buildings are adorned with imposing cornices, archways
scowling hyenas as gargoyles and corners are tinged green
and some stones are lost in the
run-off from class to office.
People only come out in pumps and loafers.
Neighbors only come out alone with collars and briefcases.
In the rain, an institution of higher learning.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Untitled 6
I don't do that,
couldn't, no, could not do that
what would they do to me. they to me.
those kids-children.
have you always been this precious
is this your shining pedestal
is this what is reserved for feminists
I'm not sure you've thought of all your options
options-those kids sure as hell don't have
can those kids even become
become feminist without
just different options
precious options.
couldn't, no, could not do that
what would they do to me. they to me.
those kids-children.
have you always been this precious
is this your shining pedestal
is this what is reserved for feminists
I'm not sure you've thought of all your options
options-those kids sure as hell don't have
can those kids even become
become feminist without
just different options
precious options.
This isn't what I felt before
This isn't what I felt before
miles of me versus you verse us
verses worthy of waiting
are these verses worthy of waiting.
miles of me versus you verse us
verses worthy of waiting
are these verses worthy of waiting.
4th Bingham
These walls are my womb
sloped ceilings of safety
safety and security passed from the earliest scholars
sloped ceilings and awkward walls
protecting me from you
enclosing my thoughts, drowning yours
blocking your love, your pain, your joy and passion
but fueling, burning, celebrating my love, pain, joy and
passion heard only inside my room.
and this is how it has been.
only ventures to observe the gargoyles, the ground, the urban Green
only these left to haunt you in
This Side of Paradise.
sloped ceilings of safety
safety and security passed from the earliest scholars
sloped ceilings and awkward walls
protecting me from you
enclosing my thoughts, drowning yours
blocking your love, your pain, your joy and passion
but fueling, burning, celebrating my love, pain, joy and
passion heard only inside my room.
and this is how it has been.
only ventures to observe the gargoyles, the ground, the urban Green
only these left to haunt you in
This Side of Paradise.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What seemed like the result, but before I knew the result
You left in the loudest silence
without focus, focus without, without ritalin
couldn't you hear this defeat
wasn't it shaking you ever so slightly
making you sick from hunger, sending electric currents through your thighs,
and capturing your breast.
it was the loudest silence.
without focus, focus without, without ritalin
couldn't you hear this defeat
wasn't it shaking you ever so slightly
making you sick from hunger, sending electric currents through your thighs,
and capturing your breast.
it was the loudest silence.
Cultural Competency on Friday Evening
I want to say that I am
PISSED. Move, BITCH, get out the way.
but you're supposed to be the best.
you believe, you expect, you dream for all
you live your life not just to live your life
so others can live their life, but you want others
to live your life.
and you make that certain, that's why you're shouting
"Move, BITCH, get out the way"
even with clenched jaws, weak, no, meek smiles
and in your strive for perfection you forgot
you don't have perfection
isn't this the result when we forget
because he left in silence and
disgust at my touch.
we forgot, we couldn't have perfection.
PISSED. Move, BITCH, get out the way.
but you're supposed to be the best.
you believe, you expect, you dream for all
you live your life not just to live your life
so others can live their life, but you want others
to live your life.
and you make that certain, that's why you're shouting
"Move, BITCH, get out the way"
even with clenched jaws, weak, no, meek smiles
and in your strive for perfection you forgot
you don't have perfection
isn't this the result when we forget
because he left in silence and
disgust at my touch.
we forgot, we couldn't have perfection.
Untitled
This place used to be a prison.
the windows set back, only on the outside-
gossip unfurled among radio instructions:
"I've got 19-I'll send one more up. Rooms 403, 404
combine your numbers, deliver your materials."
and all through that foggy eyed, froggy mind, boggy morning
recruits trickled in an examinations began
but 466 remained empty.
and radios continued their crackle
bodies kept emerging from concrete hallways
and long lines proving paperwork with picture identification perpetual
until up the stairs came a face to a body
headed to 466
where the examination began.
the windows set back, only on the outside-
gossip unfurled among radio instructions:
"I've got 19-I'll send one more up. Rooms 403, 404
combine your numbers, deliver your materials."
and all through that foggy eyed, froggy mind, boggy morning
recruits trickled in an examinations began
but 466 remained empty.
and radios continued their crackle
bodies kept emerging from concrete hallways
and long lines proving paperwork with picture identification perpetual
until up the stairs came a face to a body
headed to 466
where the examination began.
Monday, June 8, 2009
A Favorite Poem
This poem was one of the first I ever loved. In honor of anyone in, or veteran of, conflict:
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up your quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae, 1915
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up your quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae, 1915
Poverty Proof
wavering wages
keeping you barely above water
constant warningreminder you're not wading
and all frivolous without forms
questionnaires in clinics
because your hardened exoskeleton isn't urgent for emergency
figuring your EFC on your FAFSA
can't do that without filing and
even if you file, that doesn't mean you can FAFSA
food stamps, family planning, free or
reduced lunch. reduced literacy.
and even with literacy, with literacy for forms for EFC
that's your expected family contribution.
but even with--you need proof
you must wait. that's how you're differentiated.
long lines, long tape
discriminate
and when you get to the beginning
mocking pride to
prove your poverty.
and when you don't have the forms
you never documented your documents
you prove your poverty.
keeping you barely above water
constant warningreminder you're not wading
and all frivolous without forms
questionnaires in clinics
because your hardened exoskeleton isn't urgent for emergency
figuring your EFC on your FAFSA
can't do that without filing and
even if you file, that doesn't mean you can FAFSA
food stamps, family planning, free or
reduced lunch. reduced literacy.
and even with literacy, with literacy for forms for EFC
that's your expected family contribution.
but even with--you need proof
you must wait. that's how you're differentiated.
long lines, long tape
discriminate
and when you get to the beginning
mocking pride to
prove your poverty.
and when you don't have the forms
you never documented your documents
you prove your poverty.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
ACT on the GRE
that's what this confidence will bring.
bring it-
Draconian-no, lex talionis-
Draconian is to lex talionis as
astute is to sincere?
astute in reason, sincere in effort(?)-
less confidence. Try again.
scholar-
less pursuits.
bring it-
Draconian-no, lex talionis-
Draconian is to lex talionis as
astute is to sincere?
astute in reason, sincere in effort(?)-
less confidence. Try again.
scholar-
less pursuits.
For Emily: Servant of America
And the hardest, just might be to never quite be, never quite get enough
But stop-stop it girl-
stop it and start it-
yeah, rock it-rock that soulja boy
rock it out-just how you do
rhythm and soul and do it to it before you
CUT!
damn, can't catch that soulja girl
except, damn, that soulja girl can catch
can catch, can cut, can run with the best.
but it ain't all that cause she is all that.
she knew
she knew that struggle, and she felt that struggle from each one-
Central and a Higher-grounded in reality because she always felt
always felt until all this a^2 + b^2 = c^2 was bumblesass.
so, she might not think she was even, or that might not get enough,
but she did and more
important: her students, got more than they ever would.
at times, the hardest.
damn, that soulja girl.
But stop-stop it girl-
stop it and start it-
yeah, rock it-rock that soulja boy
rock it out-just how you do
rhythm and soul and do it to it before you
CUT!
damn, can't catch that soulja girl
except, damn, that soulja girl can catch
can catch, can cut, can run with the best.
but it ain't all that cause she is all that.
she knew
she knew that struggle, and she felt that struggle from each one-
Central and a Higher-grounded in reality because she always felt
always felt until all this a^2 + b^2 = c^2 was bumblesass.
so, she might not think she was even, or that might not get enough,
but she did and more
important: her students, got more than they ever would.
at times, the hardest.
damn, that soulja girl.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wet Asses
What a sad yet drole state you place me in
you under torrential skies, airfullwetpellets
and I sitting with sinking warmth and sinking in cool
damp aerated pellets, slimy, matted grass
and quiet thoughtful words passed in smiles
even words and heads are distracted with vision
turning every way and each way
because every way and each way is worth, is worthy
but you, sad Eeyore, stand in solitude
stand in rain.
at least it's not torrential flies.
you under torrential skies, airfullwetpellets
and I sitting with sinking warmth and sinking in cool
damp aerated pellets, slimy, matted grass
and quiet thoughtful words passed in smiles
even words and heads are distracted with vision
turning every way and each way
because every way and each way is worth, is worthy
but you, sad Eeyore, stand in solitude
stand in rain.
at least it's not torrential flies.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
resumes!
resume review of resumes
return, renew, return, renew
regurgitate responsibilities
in-right *click* right *click*-rowing,
resuscitate rendezvous of wrestling and
renderings of writing
recall, remember
renditions of Rodin-redone, rethought, restructured-
recapture une randonnee en rural Roussillon
resume review of resumes.
return, renew, return, renew
regurgitate responsibilities
in-right *click* right *click*-rowing,
resuscitate rendezvous of wrestling and
renderings of writing
recall, remember
renditions of Rodin-redone, rethought, restructured-
recapture une randonnee en rural Roussillon
resume review of resumes.
Spring Service Thursday
spring service thursday springing into the fishbowl
arms and smiles full: "caroline, where do you want this?
where do we meet?
what are we doing?
caroline, when does it start?"
some might be worried about 250,000 corps
that is 175,000 more
but there are at least sixty ready
to organize supplies, pick up trash.
tasks so necessary
but forgotten, worse scorned.
these are professionals
on this spring service thursday.
arms and smiles full: "caroline, where do you want this?
where do we meet?
what are we doing?
caroline, when does it start?"
some might be worried about 250,000 corps
that is 175,000 more
but there are at least sixty ready
to organize supplies, pick up trash.
tasks so necessary
but forgotten, worse scorned.
these are professionals
on this spring service thursday.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
When is the When
When you fall asleep
-fall asleep-
no hesitations.
sunken but not drunken
not because you're tired
but because that is all there is
and that's all there needs to be.
When you call yourself a woman
even when bared, not embarrassed
first your thoughtspast, but your skin
and then even and finally your family.
That is when.
sometimes there almost is a when
but sometimes isn't even most times
and almost isn't ever when.
-fall asleep-
no hesitations.
sunken but not drunken
not because you're tired
but because that is all there is
and that's all there needs to be.
When you call yourself a woman
even when bared, not embarrassed
first your thoughtspast, but your skin
and then even and finally your family.
That is when.
sometimes there almost is a when
but sometimes isn't even most times
and almost isn't ever when.
Raising Time
People with time
are people who can care
usually do care
and it's taken so long to get that time
they are wise with how they care
and they listen
because they've got time
and they know they've only got so much time
with their time.
are people who can care
usually do care
and it's taken so long to get that time
they are wise with how they care
and they listen
because they've got time
and they know they've only got so much time
with their time.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Blog.
Finding the perfect words, combinations
I do it to replay the book most familiar
I do it-I repeat-to listen
to the tones, rhythms of words
and I repeat to remember
I repeat to respect
who I am,
what I've learned.
I repeat to feel
down my white ass throat and
extended fingertips and tightened lungs
and I remember repeat respect
and I feel.
I do it to replay the book most familiar
I do it-I repeat-to listen
to the tones, rhythms of words
and I repeat to remember
I repeat to respect
who I am,
what I've learned.
I repeat to feel
down my white ass throat and
extended fingertips and tightened lungs
and I remember repeat respect
and I feel.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Top Ten
In honor of Bowl Cone, this is my top ten list of favorite things, in no particular order (minus the obvious: family, friends, Prospect Park, West Hartford, Eastham, life etc.).
1. Running when it feels good.
2. The color pink.
3. Spring showers when it is sunny out.
4. Stories, novels, songs, and things that match their titles really well (Hard Times = Hard Times, Heart of Darkness = Heart of Darkness!).
5. Chocolate milkshakes or malts with french fries.
6. Flowers and really good gardens.
7. Miniature Schnauzers with floppy ears.
8. Being ridiculous.
9. Making lists.
10. Historical Preservation.
1. Running when it feels good.
2. The color pink.
3. Spring showers when it is sunny out.
4. Stories, novels, songs, and things that match their titles really well (Hard Times = Hard Times, Heart of Darkness = Heart of Darkness!).
5. Chocolate milkshakes or malts with french fries.
6. Flowers and really good gardens.
7. Miniature Schnauzers with floppy ears.
8. Being ridiculous.
9. Making lists.
10. Historical Preservation.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
there is this ice rink behind Johnson
behind Johnson
within three hundred and fifty
feet
footsteps away
we walked-more like we stumbled-
on an ACT break
into a sequin, fairy haven
this was the nutcracker on ice
and it was iced
it was white and iced
it had hordes of groupies
all clutching handbags
and clutching breath as the fairies attempted
clutches on ice
in air.
clutching breath as hordes of
college bound scholars-
thoseasianblackmexicans-stopthinkingthat-theyarewithawhitegirl-
clutching thoughts.
who were these?
superhuman,
otherworldly?
and to think,
we've never been here.
behind the cloaks in our wardrobe
but shouldn't we own this
in our pride
our
Johnson pride.
Let's mural that on this rink.
within three hundred and fifty
feet
footsteps away
we walked-more like we stumbled-
on an ACT break
into a sequin, fairy haven
this was the nutcracker on ice
and it was iced
it was white and iced
it had hordes of groupies
all clutching handbags
and clutching breath as the fairies attempted
clutches on ice
in air.
clutching breath as hordes of
college bound scholars-
thoseasianblackmexicans-stopthinkingthat-theyarewithawhitegirl-
clutching thoughts.
who were these?
superhuman,
otherworldly?
and to think,
we've never been here.
behind the cloaks in our wardrobe
but shouldn't we own this
in our pride
our
Johnson pride.
Let's mural that on this rink.
this ain't no white girl neighborhood
and ours isn't exactly a welcome
but we followed a path
we thought it was secret
tangled branches
crooked cracks
weeds overgrown in that
back alley
the only similarity
was the wall
it followed us on the
secret.
and really the secret was obvious
it was sad, only for us,
because the weather
gathered outside
on porches and curbs
and lawns and under
shaded trees and
running, laughing, tricking
older brothers who
can't stay too cool.
but not for white girls.
we ran in
secret.
and we ran out
in secret.
but we followed a path
we thought it was secret
tangled branches
crooked cracks
weeds overgrown in that
back alley
the only similarity
was the wall
it followed us on the
secret.
and really the secret was obvious
it was sad, only for us,
because the weather
gathered outside
on porches and curbs
and lawns and under
shaded trees and
running, laughing, tricking
older brothers who
can't stay too cool.
but not for white girls.
we ran in
secret.
and we ran out
in secret.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Student Recruitment
accepted students
listed with wait
listed students
listed without
rejected or
incomplete-
applications, not students-
complete the listed
students
87 who want to go
at 40 that makes ours a selective school.
even with ineligible outliers
GPAs at 1.74 or just .74
$108,000 annual
but he still works
at Holiday over
the holidays.
others in other programs
but they say they want more.
much more than Century
or Saint Paul College.
these students, some
could want, could achieve
Macalester, Carleton, Grinell,
Lawerence
it's just a two year for them.
check the list.
check your fate.
listed with wait
listed students
listed without
rejected or
incomplete-
applications, not students-
complete the listed
students
87 who want to go
at 40 that makes ours a selective school.
even with ineligible outliers
GPAs at 1.74 or just .74
$108,000 annual
but he still works
at Holiday over
the holidays.
others in other programs
but they say they want more.
much more than Century
or Saint Paul College.
these students, some
could want, could achieve
Macalester, Carleton, Grinell,
Lawerence
it's just a two year for them.
check the list.
check your fate.
Loans keep coming due
A pedant-
of his own-
pedagogy
and paper trails
of his past and his
future.
Proust, Eliot
Today was Christopher Hill-
a Marxist historian-
certainly an Englishman.
ponder
in your poetry.
place your thoughts
in words.
he'll inspire to
ponderings and
further
and perspicacious
ponderings
and further
ponderings and
further.
Mary Savant and IQ scores
and ACT scores and
scores of
PhD. programs
te preparer
a parle en Francais et en Allemand
et
that is prior
to possible
admission.
Is it still practical, still pertinent
to ponder?
and further?
of his own-
pedagogy
and paper trails
of his past and his
future.
Proust, Eliot
Today was Christopher Hill-
a Marxist historian-
certainly an Englishman.
ponder
in your poetry.
place your thoughts
in words.
he'll inspire to
ponderings and
further
and perspicacious
ponderings
and further
ponderings and
further.
Mary Savant and IQ scores
and ACT scores and
scores of
PhD. programs
te preparer
a parle en Francais et en Allemand
et
that is prior
to possible
admission.
Is it still practical, still pertinent
to ponder?
and further?
untitled 5
funny how until
just until
you smile
I wait
wondering if you will.
and it's silly
silly that I'm still
waiting
even after your hand
encloses mine.
it's all the more exciting.
I can always return.
go back to such pride
proud independence
stubborn-annoyingly so-
I'll take your smile
I'll anticipate
anticipate as I wait.
just until
you smile
I wait
wondering if you will.
and it's silly
silly that I'm still
waiting
even after your hand
encloses mine.
it's all the more exciting.
I can always return.
go back to such pride
proud independence
stubborn-annoyingly so-
I'll take your smile
I'll anticipate
anticipate as I wait.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
the easiest run
I am an illegal.
What does that make you?
Do you know?
Do you know how this is
how this feels
my dad
a criminal
what I want
no matter how hard
I try
I'm going to end up
in Mexico.
I could run for you
I will push harder than ever
than I ever have before
and I will
brave this road where everyone can
see me
can witness my
slow, plodding
lumbering self
I will brave them
and I will brave the pain that
surrounds my
achilles
but I won't let it be my
achilles.
I will stare down
these people who
refuse to fight
out of hopelessness
out of ignorance
they chose to walk
the walk and talk
when all they get
is talk.
at least I get
to ring out my thoughts
this anger
body and mind
like a washcloth
and then I can
scrub myself again.
but at least
I was allowed to be here.
at least
I am allowed to be.
where does that place you
where is a place for you?
What does that make you?
Do you know?
Do you know how this is
how this feels
my dad
a criminal
what I want
no matter how hard
I try
I'm going to end up
in Mexico.
I could run for you
I will push harder than ever
than I ever have before
and I will
brave this road where everyone can
see me
can witness my
slow, plodding
lumbering self
I will brave them
and I will brave the pain that
surrounds my
achilles
but I won't let it be my
achilles.
I will stare down
these people who
refuse to fight
out of hopelessness
out of ignorance
they chose to walk
the walk and talk
when all they get
is talk.
at least I get
to ring out my thoughts
this anger
body and mind
like a washcloth
and then I can
scrub myself again.
but at least
I was allowed to be here.
at least
I am allowed to be.
where does that place you
where is a place for you?
Friday, April 24, 2009
University Avenue, Minneapolis
at the University of Minnesota
an avenue of higher ed and frat boy fred
and manicured lawns and a parking garage
past the western, cowboy hat Arby's
past the Holiday Inn, pockets of sin
a night club next to the restaurant Casablanca
and government buildings between high grain towers
and always a Head Start bus
heading down 27th
and Prospect Park
on one side iron and industrial
on the other a privileged haven
You know that's why it's a witches hat.
She lives at the top.
She oversees at the top.
and you're not allowed in
you're not allowed in.
You're not allowed to see
how she doles out her justice
how it is given everyday.
you're to stay in your haven
sleep the day away
lose your inhibitions by night
but never climb to the top
to the top of the tower
then you might see. You might know
she's not really there.
Prospect Park on both sides
Arby's signs and clinic lines
and college students on bikes and in fights
and where is that justice
over University Avenue.
an avenue of higher ed and frat boy fred
and manicured lawns and a parking garage
past the western, cowboy hat Arby's
past the Holiday Inn, pockets of sin
a night club next to the restaurant Casablanca
and government buildings between high grain towers
and always a Head Start bus
heading down 27th
and Prospect Park
on one side iron and industrial
on the other a privileged haven
You know that's why it's a witches hat.
She lives at the top.
She oversees at the top.
and you're not allowed in
you're not allowed in.
You're not allowed to see
how she doles out her justice
how it is given everyday.
you're to stay in your haven
sleep the day away
lose your inhibitions by night
but never climb to the top
to the top of the tower
then you might see. You might know
she's not really there.
Prospect Park on both sides
Arby's signs and clinic lines
and college students on bikes and in fights
and where is that justice
over University Avenue.
Language Learner Meeting
Ce matin
nous parlons en anglais
au sujet d'etudiants qui parlent
plus de langues
Quelle programme?
Quelle aide?
Qu'est-ce que tu pense
Qu'est-ce que tu pense au sujet de leur
mal grammar, mal phrase
mal examen de ecrire
et le repetition.
mal phrase
mal phrase
mal phrase.
Donc, tu as un poeme de moi
et un poeme que j'aime
et un poeme avec
mal phrase
mal phrase
mal phrase
Quelle programme est-ce que tu as pour moi?
nous parlons en anglais
au sujet d'etudiants qui parlent
plus de langues
Quelle programme?
Quelle aide?
Qu'est-ce que tu pense
Qu'est-ce que tu pense au sujet de leur
mal grammar, mal phrase
mal examen de ecrire
et le repetition.
mal phrase
mal phrase
mal phrase.
Donc, tu as un poeme de moi
et un poeme que j'aime
et un poeme avec
mal phrase
mal phrase
mal phrase
Quelle programme est-ce que tu as pour moi?
Bruises
Really great bruises
those you can wear
one the width of a baseball
with a position of pride-my left calf.
bruises that say
yeah, I like to play
I do that
I get outside
I go. I do. I am.
I am strong. Powerful. Active. Woman.
Just like a summer tan
with a band of white
where your Timex was.
Really great bruises mean summer
and you can't remember
where you got those
Really great bruises.
Say that with a smirk and
a slow nod.
It isn't always really great
not always about summer
and running and laughter and
Strong. Powerful. Woman.
Sometimes it is just.
just.
just the opposite.
Sometimes it's all hidden
and you wear soccer socks
and that's if you wear shorts
but on laundry day or not laundry day
you've got to wear jeans
because these bruisessmallwounds
these are not the
Strong. Powerful. Woman.
that you are.
or maybe that is.
maybe these are.
Strong.
Powerful.
Woman.
that
you are.
those you can wear
one the width of a baseball
with a position of pride-my left calf.
bruises that say
yeah, I like to play
I do that
I get outside
I go. I do. I am.
I am strong. Powerful. Active. Woman.
Just like a summer tan
with a band of white
where your Timex was.
Really great bruises mean summer
and you can't remember
where you got those
Really great bruises.
Say that with a smirk and
a slow nod.
It isn't always really great
not always about summer
and running and laughter and
Strong. Powerful. Woman.
Sometimes it is just.
just.
just the opposite.
Sometimes it's all hidden
and you wear soccer socks
and that's if you wear shorts
but on laundry day or not laundry day
you've got to wear jeans
because these bruisessmallwounds
these are not the
Strong. Powerful. Woman.
that you are.
or maybe that is.
maybe these are.
Strong.
Powerful.
Woman.
that
you are.
Les circonstances especials
Quand tu as une ligne
casse
et les autres lignes
Ils sont jusqu'a
jusqu'a casse
aussi.
Pour un longtemps
les lignes
linger.
Jusqu'a le temps
quand tu as une.
Seulement.
Une ligne
et les autres sont
popping, jumping
C'est mon Huis clos
mon hotel
mon enfer.
et c'est comme votre estomac
et les epauls quand on est
fatigue et
complet
du pain
ma peau allonge etire
et ma tete maintenir en place
par
that
une ligne
seulement.
casse
et les autres lignes
Ils sont jusqu'a
jusqu'a casse
aussi.
Pour un longtemps
les lignes
linger.
Jusqu'a le temps
quand tu as une.
Seulement.
Une ligne
et les autres sont
popping, jumping
C'est mon Huis clos
mon hotel
mon enfer.
et c'est comme votre estomac
et les epauls quand on est
fatigue et
complet
du pain
ma peau allonge etire
et ma tete maintenir en place
par
that
une ligne
seulement.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
These Expectations
I expect college will help me.
I want to go
to help myself
so that
I am able
to help my family, my community
and all, all that I expect
is for college to help me.
There is a lot that I want
but expect?
and who is to say?
who decides
what I can
what I should expect?
did you expect?
expect me to expect more?
and I know that it wasn't expected
expected that my voice would be heard
but I've been writing
silently working
silently plotting
silently becoming
and now it should be expected
I expect that I will be expected
and why shouldn't I?
Why shouldn't I write
or become?
That is what I expect.
You
all of you
should begin to expect
these expectations.
it's not too much
not too much to expect.
I want to go
to help myself
so that
I am able
to help my family, my community
and all, all that I expect
is for college to help me.
There is a lot that I want
but expect?
and who is to say?
who decides
what I can
what I should expect?
did you expect?
expect me to expect more?
and I know that it wasn't expected
expected that my voice would be heard
but I've been writing
silently working
silently plotting
silently becoming
and now it should be expected
I expect that I will be expected
and why shouldn't I?
Why shouldn't I write
or become?
That is what I expect.
You
all of you
should begin to expect
these expectations.
it's not too much
not too much to expect.
Monday, March 30, 2009
all his pieces
It felt like a heart attack
but I know that can't be true
and then the bell rings
it starts beating
and in one motion
his fingers splayed
almost motioning, really just hovering
a loose handle over
something uncontrolled
terrifying
with its surprise arrivals
and I just keep thinkin
thoughts all defined
with his fingers slowly moving upward
toward each other
as if every ounce of energy within them
burst and jolted to
pray
but the wrists, unsure, hold back
I can't stop thinkin'
about all these memories
In one same jolt the fingers give in,
crown drops and hangs almost
lifeless
if not for a determined
understanding back and forth
led from his jaw.
you know, my grandfather
he tells this great story,
when I first heard it
I almost peed my pants
he was on this dam
but before,
his esophagus allowed
and pulled his chest up
brought the edges of his eyes back
and his mouth
easy, comfortable
for a moment
purely happy
she knew everyone
my grandma, grandpa
my brothers
she met my mom
and I wanted that
I wanted that with her
I wanted to meet her parents
I was ready for that two years ago
and I don't know what happened
I would give this
any of this
I would give anything
but I guess I can't.
and all these pieces held all
his pieces
in his fingers, throat, heart even
at the sides of his eyes
all these pieces held all his pieces
together.
but I know that can't be true
and then the bell rings
it starts beating
and in one motion
his fingers splayed
almost motioning, really just hovering
a loose handle over
something uncontrolled
terrifying
with its surprise arrivals
and I just keep thinkin
thoughts all defined
with his fingers slowly moving upward
toward each other
as if every ounce of energy within them
burst and jolted to
pray
but the wrists, unsure, hold back
I can't stop thinkin'
about all these memories
In one same jolt the fingers give in,
crown drops and hangs almost
lifeless
if not for a determined
understanding back and forth
led from his jaw.
you know, my grandfather
he tells this great story,
when I first heard it
I almost peed my pants
he was on this dam
but before,
his esophagus allowed
and pulled his chest up
brought the edges of his eyes back
and his mouth
easy, comfortable
for a moment
purely happy
she knew everyone
my grandma, grandpa
my brothers
she met my mom
and I wanted that
I wanted that with her
I wanted to meet her parents
I was ready for that two years ago
and I don't know what happened
I would give this
any of this
I would give anything
but I guess I can't.
and all these pieces held all
his pieces
in his fingers, throat, heart even
at the sides of his eyes
all these pieces held all his pieces
together.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Stick With It
Stickin' to it
I have a hard time
I just can't
stick to it
stick to my mom, my dad
yeah, I love them
I don't though,
I just don't stick
stick to 'em
Football
I quit football
Mercedes is showing
I gotta stick wit her
I have to stick with her
I gotta quit Jimmy John's
I don't know
I can't stick with it
My grades,
yeah, my grades
It's cause
It's cause I, I can't sleep
you know, I can't sleep
they're down a guy
they got me on til' 2
and I've been sleepin'
sleepin' in 1st
1st and 2nd
I haven't told my dad
She hasn't told, no
but I was on the phone
and, you know, that's the one thing
he always, he always said
don't get a girl pregnant
and he was laughing
hung up the phone.
so I gotta work.
I guess it's good
I'm motivated
It feels good
It feels
It feels good.
to be, to finally be
motivated.
but I gotta stick with it
my grades, you know
I gotta succeed
I knew
I knew since I was little
I was going to do it,
be rich.
So, I can
go to college, you know.
But I gotta stick with it.
I was going to go to Omaha
go to Lincoln
live with my aunt
live with my uncle
but I can't, I can't now
he was laughing
laughing on the phone
he hung up
I was on my own before
made my grades okay.
lived on the street, sophomore year
but I made, yeah I made my grades okay
and now I'm back
back with her
my mom
but I gotta stick with it
I love them, yeah
I don't really stick with 'em
but I gotta stick with it.
I have a hard time
I just can't
stick to it
stick to my mom, my dad
yeah, I love them
I don't though,
I just don't stick
stick to 'em
Football
I quit football
Mercedes is showing
I gotta stick wit her
I have to stick with her
I gotta quit Jimmy John's
I don't know
I can't stick with it
My grades,
yeah, my grades
It's cause
It's cause I, I can't sleep
you know, I can't sleep
they're down a guy
they got me on til' 2
and I've been sleepin'
sleepin' in 1st
1st and 2nd
I haven't told my dad
She hasn't told, no
but I was on the phone
and, you know, that's the one thing
he always, he always said
don't get a girl pregnant
and he was laughing
hung up the phone.
so I gotta work.
I guess it's good
I'm motivated
It feels good
It feels
It feels good.
to be, to finally be
motivated.
but I gotta stick with it
my grades, you know
I gotta succeed
I knew
I knew since I was little
I was going to do it,
be rich.
So, I can
go to college, you know.
But I gotta stick with it.
I was going to go to Omaha
go to Lincoln
live with my aunt
live with my uncle
but I can't, I can't now
he was laughing
laughing on the phone
he hung up
I was on my own before
made my grades okay.
lived on the street, sophomore year
but I made, yeah I made my grades okay
and now I'm back
back with her
my mom
but I gotta stick with it
I love them, yeah
I don't really stick with 'em
but I gotta stick with it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Smell in the Teacher's Lounge
Eagan tried to tell me-
Yeah, he definitely warned me-
His voice twanging with shock
His hands turned upward in
helpless aghast
aghast!
How can they eat?
Perform their duties?
Enjoy the New Yorker?
very few do
that, anyway.
It took me seven months
seven months until
I realized
that smell.
sage Eagan nods, through the phone:
It has to be the refrigerator.
Yeah, he definitely warned me-
His voice twanging with shock
His hands turned upward in
helpless aghast
aghast!
How can they eat?
Perform their duties?
Enjoy the New Yorker?
very few do
that, anyway.
It took me seven months
seven months until
I realized
that smell.
sage Eagan nods, through the phone:
It has to be the refrigerator.
Monday, March 23, 2009
A Room of Security
"a window seat,
a strip of floor
which they pace up and down
In that way they have a certain security"
blanket of light over millions of
think, carpet kernels
windows not too big not to let in too much
of that world
in this world
colonial wainscoting
timid, tiny flowers or
timid, tiny berries or
perhaps just timid, tiny buttons, splotches, dots
in perfect,
repeating
patterns
this is my strip
you can pace up and down
in security.
The quote above is taken from "Letters to a Young Poet," Letter VIII, Rainer Maria Rilke, p. 38
a strip of floor
which they pace up and down
In that way they have a certain security"
blanket of light over millions of
think, carpet kernels
windows not too big not to let in too much
of that world
in this world
colonial wainscoting
timid, tiny flowers or
timid, tiny berries or
perhaps just timid, tiny buttons, splotches, dots
in perfect,
repeating
patterns
this is my strip
you can pace up and down
in security.
The quote above is taken from "Letters to a Young Poet," Letter VIII, Rainer Maria Rilke, p. 38
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Text Message Before ACT 4
1
Shove it down your throat.
shove all this shit
shove it down your white ass throat
shove all this down
I came by
you weren't there
I'm so mad
my phone messed up
I'll be there
This time, I'll be there
over and over
I'll say it again
shove it down your throat.
2.
Okay
but you
you do it.
shove it down.
you do it.
and I
I won't budge
shove it down
I'll stay still.
shove it down my white ass throat
I won't budge.
3.
I know
we came from different worlds
I know
I don't know you
at all, at all.
You don't owe me
anything.
but I am
falling
from your words-
shove it down your throat-
I am falling, still.
I think because
I know
that I am failing through this falling
I am failing me and you.
Please,
Please,
simply take my apology.
I am sorry.
I am sorry to
fail you.
I did try and
I am trying still.
You are always welcome here
you are always welcome here
with me.
Shove it down your throat.
shove all this shit
shove it down your white ass throat
shove all this down
I came by
you weren't there
I'm so mad
my phone messed up
I'll be there
This time, I'll be there
over and over
I'll say it again
shove it down your throat.
2.
Okay
but you
you do it.
shove it down.
you do it.
and I
I won't budge
shove it down
I'll stay still.
shove it down my white ass throat
I won't budge.
3.
I know
we came from different worlds
I know
I don't know you
at all, at all.
You don't owe me
anything.
but I am
falling
from your words-
shove it down your throat-
I am falling, still.
I think because
I know
that I am failing through this falling
I am failing me and you.
Please,
Please,
simply take my apology.
I am sorry.
I am sorry to
fail you.
I did try and
I am trying still.
You are always welcome here
you are always welcome here
with me.
This agnostic organization!
Bumblesass!
Biblesass
Bumblesass!
Bible Bumble Bible sass!
This agnostic organization
is not permitted
to bible the bumble
or bumble the bible
despite the sass of the bumblers.
-For Stephanie
Biblesass
Bumblesass!
Bible Bumble Bible sass!
This agnostic organization
is not permitted
to bible the bumble
or bumble the bible
despite the sass of the bumblers.
-For Stephanie
Practice Teach 1
The passage suggests
directly supports
it can be inferred
that
if
we can
read outloud
Steve, is this the answer
remember back to detail questions
we need to predict
remember the author states
find that keyword
can function be a type of inference
what would happen
what do you think is going to happen
-one more minute-
I must be your favorite student-
inference or not?
yes
go back into the passage
the clue words will
help you.
directly supports
it can be inferred
that
if
we can
read outloud
Steve, is this the answer
remember back to detail questions
we need to predict
remember the author states
find that keyword
can function be a type of inference
what would happen
what do you think is going to happen
-one more minute-
I must be your favorite student-
inference or not?
yes
go back into the passage
the clue words will
help you.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Bell Schedule
"How many bells have we heard this year?
Can we calculate with all the weird days?"
How many times have we been there waiting?
How many have we been too late?
How many have we missed when the band plays in our office?
How many with the strings?
How many has Ms. Arndt been in the middle of today's forecast?
How many when the students already left?
How many when we're kicked out of classrooms
and finding space for writing review?
When will we learn to use this schedule?
When will we learn the bell?
Can we calculate with all the weird days?"
How many times have we been there waiting?
How many have we been too late?
How many have we missed when the band plays in our office?
How many with the strings?
How many has Ms. Arndt been in the middle of today's forecast?
How many when the students already left?
How many when we're kicked out of classrooms
and finding space for writing review?
When will we learn to use this schedule?
When will we learn the bell?
Warm Weather Winter
Warm weather in the winter
How does one respond
warm weather with a snow layer
warm weather-oasis days-hip hip hooray.
If I'm stuck inside all day,
stuck in the fishbowl office,
At night I meet the warm weather winter
with a welcome, now colder, evening embrace
I'll strike a pose, like Gene Kelly,
astride the light post on 15th
I'll call up to the train above my head
listening to its tumbling reply
March my opinions loudly to the world
stomping out my dreams.
And if someone should hear me
I'll greet them as a saint.
And when tomorrow refuses another warm weather winter,
I'll probably do the same.
How does one respond
warm weather with a snow layer
warm weather-oasis days-hip hip hooray.
If I'm stuck inside all day,
stuck in the fishbowl office,
At night I meet the warm weather winter
with a welcome, now colder, evening embrace
I'll strike a pose, like Gene Kelly,
astride the light post on 15th
I'll call up to the train above my head
listening to its tumbling reply
March my opinions loudly to the world
stomping out my dreams.
And if someone should hear me
I'll greet them as a saint.
And when tomorrow refuses another warm weather winter,
I'll probably do the same.
Monday, February 23, 2009
How I Love the "History of Love"
I read it because it was
her favorite.
I loved it with it's
familiarity-
like a grandmother's couch-
familiarity with it's
emotions
familiarity within the child.
A child so familiar to those from
Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Lion's Wardrobes
so familiar in children's fantasies
and so familiar with perfect
memories.
memories underneath trees with dappled sunlight
memories of gentle touch and wrinkled noses
and timid glances
so familiar, that inability to leave
to let that story go
so familiar in the happiness of having felt
that love
so familiar to never let that
love go.
her favorite.
I loved it with it's
familiarity-
like a grandmother's couch-
familiarity with it's
emotions
familiarity within the child.
A child so familiar to those from
Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Lion's Wardrobes
so familiar in children's fantasies
and so familiar with perfect
memories.
memories underneath trees with dappled sunlight
memories of gentle touch and wrinkled noses
and timid glances
so familiar, that inability to leave
to let that story go
so familiar in the happiness of having felt
that love
so familiar to never let that
love go.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
a better woman
a better woman
a better me
I have to strive for all of me.
live with values
with a purpose
live unconditionally
and love with values
love unconditionally
serve with passion
live the same
serve to be
a better woman
live and love the same.
a better me
I have to strive for all of me.
live with values
with a purpose
live unconditionally
and love with values
love unconditionally
serve with passion
live the same
serve to be
a better woman
live and love the same.
What I Heard
1.
I heard her mother was sick
today, last week, 3 weeks ago
there was pain, it was her weight,
it was her gallbladder the
doctors say.
she, her family, they are hers.
and she has eyes that seek questions for curious minds
and a smile worth waiting for
and she's got style and she's got rhythm
from so many Cabarets and Celebrate! days
and she's got wit that will keep one on edge
and she knows what's important
and she's a woman.
She's a woman
I'd like to be like.
She's a woman.
2.
I heard her mother was sick
and it caught the back of my throat
it caught me behind my eyes
it caught me to the edge of my nostrils.
It caught me unsuspecting
just like the last time
and the time before
it caught me right between my lungs
it caught me unprepared.
How do you help your mother?
when you're caught from mind to muscle
How do you keep uncaught
How do you keep yourself?
You've got to start catching back
I'm not sure exactly when
but catch yourself and catch your life
so you can help catch for her.
I heard her mother was sick
today, last week, 3 weeks ago
there was pain, it was her weight,
it was her gallbladder the
doctors say.
she, her family, they are hers.
and she has eyes that seek questions for curious minds
and a smile worth waiting for
and she's got style and she's got rhythm
from so many Cabarets and Celebrate! days
and she's got wit that will keep one on edge
and she knows what's important
and she's a woman.
She's a woman
I'd like to be like.
She's a woman.
2.
I heard her mother was sick
and it caught the back of my throat
it caught me behind my eyes
it caught me to the edge of my nostrils.
It caught me unsuspecting
just like the last time
and the time before
it caught me right between my lungs
it caught me unprepared.
How do you help your mother?
when you're caught from mind to muscle
How do you keep uncaught
How do you keep yourself?
You've got to start catching back
I'm not sure exactly when
but catch yourself and catch your life
so you can help catch for her.
ACT at the East Side YMCA
From this seat I can see
downtown Saint Paul
the Basilica on the far right
Rainbow, Little Caesar's, RadioShack
Blockbuster, smoking pipes, non-smoking pipes
cream colored pipes with a layer of Minnesota grime
and a stripe of white at the top
pipes held up with suspension lines
pipes surrounding rust red latticed windows
across the street banana colored sided homes
and a layer of two day old snow
covering it all.
Get in the zone, Autozone.
perpendicular to the Phalen Parkway.
I can see three Johnson scholars
ten Harding, three Highland Park,
one Arlington, one Como Park, and one Humboldt
but all they can see is
Prose Fiction, Natural Sciences, Humanities and
OMIT this choice.
I can see Peace
Like a River-a national bestseller-
stubbed pencils and a scented, grape Mr. Sketch
Leftover Bruegger's bag with more exams
start time 1:20, 5 min 2:00, end time 2:05
start 5 min end
start 5 min end
on the back of manila folders and envelopes
But I don't think they can all see that.
downtown Saint Paul
the Basilica on the far right
Rainbow, Little Caesar's, RadioShack
Blockbuster, smoking pipes, non-smoking pipes
cream colored pipes with a layer of Minnesota grime
and a stripe of white at the top
pipes held up with suspension lines
pipes surrounding rust red latticed windows
across the street banana colored sided homes
and a layer of two day old snow
covering it all.
Get in the zone, Autozone.
perpendicular to the Phalen Parkway.
I can see three Johnson scholars
ten Harding, three Highland Park,
one Arlington, one Como Park, and one Humboldt
but all they can see is
Prose Fiction, Natural Sciences, Humanities and
OMIT this choice.
I can see Peace
Like a River-a national bestseller-
stubbed pencils and a scented, grape Mr. Sketch
Leftover Bruegger's bag with more exams
start time 1:20, 5 min 2:00, end time 2:05
start 5 min end
start 5 min end
on the back of manila folders and envelopes
But I don't think they can all see that.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Prompt
conservation in design
conservation or design
interior or exterior design
interior space within exterior design
or
exterior space within interior design
I hope your family gets HGTV.
on the east side
you don't plant trees
it's neighborhood shoppers in exterior design
and corrugated cardboard in interior design
and Maria's Daycare in exterior and interior design.
Your pencils move fast
consider(ing) the prompt.
conservation or design
interior or exterior design
interior space within exterior design
or
exterior space within interior design
I hope your family gets HGTV.
on the east side
you don't plant trees
it's neighborhood shoppers in exterior design
and corrugated cardboard in interior design
and Maria's Daycare in exterior and interior design.
Your pencils move fast
consider(ing) the prompt.
Untitled 4
Through to the end
head down
hair all over
forward kick back side side
STOP
erase.
forward kick back forward side side
forward side
STOP
repeat.
thirty times
thirty minutes.
Tierra kept her promise
and more.
head down
hair all over
forward kick back side side
STOP
erase.
forward kick back forward side side
forward side
STOP
repeat.
thirty times
thirty minutes.
Tierra kept her promise
and more.
Untitled 3
a liar.
I know you think I'm a liar.
I overslept
my alarm
and I know you think I'm
a liar.
Maybe before, Porsha
but no, not now.
I know you think I'm a liar.
I overslept
my alarm
and I know you think I'm
a liar.
Maybe before, Porsha
but no, not now.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Crack
Crack
like the Mississippi
her mom in North
she's on the East Side
She doesn't love her
she has to tip toe around her
because her mom might cut
because her mom isn't stable
They don't live together
but when her mom starts using
it still makes that crack go deeper.
like the Mississippi
her mom in North
she's on the East Side
She doesn't love her
she has to tip toe around her
because her mom might cut
because her mom isn't stable
They don't live together
but when her mom starts using
it still makes that crack go deeper.
Ten Minutes
It's only been ten minutes,
you've only got a little bit there
If you keep writing
I suppose that's okay
But if you keep thinking
just think of what will happen
think of your sway.
Suddenly it isn't just about funding
for sports or arts
it isn't just this page with words
It's you. It's you on that page
Your thoughts, your future, your family on that page
Think about her, she's the girl whom you love
think of what you can tell her
about funding for sports and arts education.
How do we solve this large problem? you'll say
to this girl. How can we offer the best for
our students? What is the best, dear love?
Because you and I did not get the best, love.
You and I did not get the best.
you've only got a little bit there
If you keep writing
I suppose that's okay
But if you keep thinking
just think of what will happen
think of your sway.
Suddenly it isn't just about funding
for sports or arts
it isn't just this page with words
It's you. It's you on that page
Your thoughts, your future, your family on that page
Think about her, she's the girl whom you love
think of what you can tell her
about funding for sports and arts education.
How do we solve this large problem? you'll say
to this girl. How can we offer the best for
our students? What is the best, dear love?
Because you and I did not get the best, love.
You and I did not get the best.
Untitled 2
I'm tired she said
I know it's a long day
We have writing too?
Yes, yes we do
but isn't that optional?
It isn't for us
I"m not going to college
You can make that decision
You won't stop me?
I won't stop you but I need things from you
What do you mean?
You come take my ACTs
come to my sessions
go to Augustana overnight
stay in the dorm
apply to five schools
four year not two
fill out the FAFSA
and then we'll see what you want
If you do all that
plus a scholarship or two
you can do anything
I'll never stop you.
Though I might have an opinion for you.
I know it's a long day
We have writing too?
Yes, yes we do
but isn't that optional?
It isn't for us
I"m not going to college
You can make that decision
You won't stop me?
I won't stop you but I need things from you
What do you mean?
You come take my ACTs
come to my sessions
go to Augustana overnight
stay in the dorm
apply to five schools
four year not two
fill out the FAFSA
and then we'll see what you want
If you do all that
plus a scholarship or two
you can do anything
I'll never stop you.
Though I might have an opinion for you.
Ode to Pens
Colleges give me pens
Augsburg pens
Saint Mary's pens
ACT code on the pens
Sometimes more than one pen
I almost got a pen from Mankato
That pen was purple and large
3M at Johnson gave me a pen
It contains small post it flags
Sometimes my students leave their pens
Johnson High School maroon pens
At one point I took my roommate's pen
that pen was pink and not fit for her work
I like to borrow the pen from Ms. Shroeder's desk
it's the least she can do as I clean her room
I like all these pens
though I never have them long
I think a proper thank you should be made
to these pens I've described
Augsburg pens
Saint Mary's pens
ACT code on the pens
Sometimes more than one pen
I almost got a pen from Mankato
That pen was purple and large
3M at Johnson gave me a pen
It contains small post it flags
Sometimes my students leave their pens
Johnson High School maroon pens
At one point I took my roommate's pen
that pen was pink and not fit for her work
I like to borrow the pen from Ms. Shroeder's desk
it's the least she can do as I clean her room
I like all these pens
though I never have them long
I think a proper thank you should be made
to these pens I've described
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Cat and Mouse
Last night Sebastian caught the mouse.
I wasn't there but I know
he twisted, tormented and ravaged just like
his tigger on a rope.
It's all for sport.
Tonight the mouse is lost
paralyzed
I'm sure also from shock
and she is on the bike
sweating, mouth gaped
eyes focused on the technicolor Samsung
"Give yourself a smile makeover . . ."
meanwhile, somewhere
that mouse, stilled, lies waiting for his end.
It's all for sport.
I wasn't there but I know
he twisted, tormented and ravaged just like
his tigger on a rope.
It's all for sport.
Tonight the mouse is lost
paralyzed
I'm sure also from shock
and she is on the bike
sweating, mouth gaped
eyes focused on the technicolor Samsung
"Give yourself a smile makeover . . ."
meanwhile, somewhere
that mouse, stilled, lies waiting for his end.
It's all for sport.
The Old Johnson Neighborhood
We moved to Prospect Park for the
running. It's close to the river,
a bike to the U
a walk to tennis
and sledding in January.
We moved for the neighbors and they're
still good. Across the street we can get
gardening advice, sometimes a helping hand.
But I don't run in Prospect Park. It's technically
the South of Franklin neighborhood.
There's just too much.
Too much that reminds me of how I used to run.
How fast are those guys going? What kind of
dinner party is that River Road home having?
Do I need to be home for dinner?
Pick up the pace.
I might see my family.
Pick up the pace.
Now I run in the Johnson neighborhood.
It's so different than where I used to run
I tell myself
slow down, you've got time
Phalen Lake, a small ski park
these are a few memories of the old
Johnson
The old Johnson came in the Fall to speak.
The old Johnson was white,
big corporation CEO
The old Johnson spoke proudly of display
cases with trophies from hockey and
football championships.
Where are those cases?
The old Johnson spoke of opportunity,
promise and hope
but it wasn't Title One when he was here.
The old Johnson stood before Hmong, black American,
Karen, Liberian, Cambodian, Mexican, Somalian, Oromo, Ethiopian,
white American, undocumented, documented but
over seventy percent in need of
lunch today.
running. It's close to the river,
a bike to the U
a walk to tennis
and sledding in January.
We moved for the neighbors and they're
still good. Across the street we can get
gardening advice, sometimes a helping hand.
But I don't run in Prospect Park. It's technically
the South of Franklin neighborhood.
There's just too much.
Too much that reminds me of how I used to run.
How fast are those guys going? What kind of
dinner party is that River Road home having?
Do I need to be home for dinner?
Pick up the pace.
I might see my family.
Pick up the pace.
Now I run in the Johnson neighborhood.
It's so different than where I used to run
I tell myself
slow down, you've got time
Phalen Lake, a small ski park
these are a few memories of the old
Johnson
The old Johnson came in the Fall to speak.
The old Johnson was white,
big corporation CEO
The old Johnson spoke proudly of display
cases with trophies from hockey and
football championships.
Where are those cases?
The old Johnson spoke of opportunity,
promise and hope
but it wasn't Title One when he was here.
The old Johnson stood before Hmong, black American,
Karen, Liberian, Cambodian, Mexican, Somalian, Oromo, Ethiopian,
white American, undocumented, documented but
over seventy percent in need of
lunch today.
Two Kennys
1
I know two Kennys at Johnson.
One stopped by my classroom after school
little did he know
my plan-a cross multiplication plan!
"Kenny, do you like fish?"
"Oh, spicy fish?"
"and sushi?"
"Sushi Kenny everyone! A round of applause for Sushi Kenny!"
"Sushi Kenny, you can cross multiply if you like fish."
"Sushi Kenny over the bottom number-YES
denominator-Sushi Kenny to the opposite top-
Numerator, you're right!"
"Sushi Kenny, do you know what that equals?"
"Yes! It equals the other denominator
sushi kennyed to the other numerator!"
"Sushi Kenny, do you see the fish?"
"Me too."
"Thank you for joining session today."
I do not know how I taught cross multiplication without
Sushi Kenny.
Probably ineffectively.
2.
The second Kenny is really the first.
I think he felt lost
he definitely felt sick.
He ran up the stairs
looked left and saw the bathroom
looked right and saw the college access programs office
This was the place-the atrium of the
auditorium balcony.
Trash can puker had found his can.
I really admire that ease:
comfort he felt. It almost did not feel odd
when he floated, coat falling to the floor, feet
forward and face focused on the can.
Perhaps this person came to tell me how to
combine these rational numbers. Perfectly
rational.
And thus, it was not odd when he didn't leave
Eagan tried to get the nurse,
but I thought, ah! a recruit!
"Are you a sophomore?"
"Oh, freshman."
"What are you college plans?"
"Well join this program next year."
Hours later, a nurse unfound
there was his grandmother.
She was grateful, not to me, I didn't
do much, not to Eagan, but-
oh, the nurse is here.
I know two Kennys at Johnson.
One stopped by my classroom after school
little did he know
my plan-a cross multiplication plan!
"Kenny, do you like fish?"
"Oh, spicy fish?"
"and sushi?"
"Sushi Kenny everyone! A round of applause for Sushi Kenny!"
"Sushi Kenny, you can cross multiply if you like fish."
"Sushi Kenny over the bottom number-YES
denominator-Sushi Kenny to the opposite top-
Numerator, you're right!"
"Sushi Kenny, do you know what that equals?"
"Yes! It equals the other denominator
sushi kennyed to the other numerator!"
"Sushi Kenny, do you see the fish?"
"Me too."
"Thank you for joining session today."
I do not know how I taught cross multiplication without
Sushi Kenny.
Probably ineffectively.
2.
The second Kenny is really the first.
I think he felt lost
he definitely felt sick.
He ran up the stairs
looked left and saw the bathroom
looked right and saw the college access programs office
This was the place-the atrium of the
auditorium balcony.
Trash can puker had found his can.
I really admire that ease:
comfort he felt. It almost did not feel odd
when he floated, coat falling to the floor, feet
forward and face focused on the can.
Perhaps this person came to tell me how to
combine these rational numbers. Perfectly
rational.
And thus, it was not odd when he didn't leave
Eagan tried to get the nurse,
but I thought, ah! a recruit!
"Are you a sophomore?"
"Oh, freshman."
"What are you college plans?"
"Well join this program next year."
Hours later, a nurse unfound
there was his grandmother.
She was grateful, not to me, I didn't
do much, not to Eagan, but-
oh, the nurse is here.
Teacher's Lounge
I'm not really welcome in the teacher's lounge.
I know because I don't have a key.
But this school makes exceptions all the time.
So I use the bathroom-sometimes it is too
difficult to face "All white people are bitches-"
and I heat my leftovers
and I try to find the best response to the
conversation-
I was not invited to.
I never hear the names of my forty,
but they talk about them.
It's "Kyle, yeah you know him" with a nod
"he is late everyday" and
"what do you do with them when
they can't read an analogue clock?"
Two minutes left on last night's borscht
Maybe you could show him?
Obnoxious, Caroline
One minute fifty-six,
This school should offer basic math
Oh right, they do.
One minute fifty-four,
He could join my sessions, what is his name?
But you already stress too much-there are
only so many Gin and Tonics you can afford
per month.
One minute fifty-two and the chance is lost.
At least I haven't made too many people
dislike me here today and tomorrow the lounge
will be open
again.
I know because I don't have a key.
But this school makes exceptions all the time.
So I use the bathroom-sometimes it is too
difficult to face "All white people are bitches-"
and I heat my leftovers
and I try to find the best response to the
conversation-
I was not invited to.
I never hear the names of my forty,
but they talk about them.
It's "Kyle, yeah you know him" with a nod
"he is late everyday" and
"what do you do with them when
they can't read an analogue clock?"
Two minutes left on last night's borscht
Maybe you could show him?
Obnoxious, Caroline
One minute fifty-six,
This school should offer basic math
Oh right, they do.
One minute fifty-four,
He could join my sessions, what is his name?
But you already stress too much-there are
only so many Gin and Tonics you can afford
per month.
One minute fifty-two and the chance is lost.
At least I haven't made too many people
dislike me here today and tomorrow the lounge
will be open
again.
Tell Me
What I want most is for them to want
this. To want to feel meaningful
perhaps in someone else's life.
It's not that they are not already
but do they feel it?
Do they want to be moved by literature, words
maybe even equations?
Do they want to create
maybe using the languages they already know?
Do they want to keep their eyes open to
contemplate with the one they love the most.
Tell me students, peers-you are just six years younger.
What do you feel when Frances Wright asks us
to band together for equality but Malcolm X
tells us its an independent fight?
Tell me,
What doe you feel when you notice true
disdain from your teachers. I've heard
it too.
Tell me,
What do I not know? Tell me what
we can learn today.
Tell me students. Tell me.
this. To want to feel meaningful
perhaps in someone else's life.
It's not that they are not already
but do they feel it?
Do they want to be moved by literature, words
maybe even equations?
Do they want to create
maybe using the languages they already know?
Do they want to keep their eyes open to
contemplate with the one they love the most.
Tell me students, peers-you are just six years younger.
What do you feel when Frances Wright asks us
to band together for equality but Malcolm X
tells us its an independent fight?
Tell me,
What doe you feel when you notice true
disdain from your teachers. I've heard
it too.
Tell me,
What do I not know? Tell me what
we can learn today.
Tell me students. Tell me.
This Exam
They used there intelligence to
find the expected data point
where mercury equals 17 and the pressure
increases in the sealed container with a
constant-Is this answer consistent?
If you knew that the subject, verb and complete
idea made this clause independent,
perhaps you would not be so dependent.
But I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T means strong women
not complete sentences.
You only have forty-five minutes for this exam.
Do not begin work until instructed to do so.
Do not alter or fill in ovals.
Do not turn the page to the next test.
Read the directions carefully and when
y = (x^3 + 3x^3)/x^3 and y > 0 but z <>
what is the value?
of this exam.
Untitled
Sometimes
I feel like I'm pulling all
forty
ropes around my waist.
They can let go.
So how do I get them over the
speed bumps on those rollerblades?
The Most Important Thing
On campus
housing for four
years of traditions of Karhu, Rottblatt and
stadium dungeons left behind for the arb
and the wind beyond highway 3 to Tom and
Olives in the hot dish tonight.
Why does that freshman stare at me when she only gives me one serving?
Don't I look
hungry for more.
Usually I wanted
fewer classes, fewer stares from the
patriarch I thought I'd left in
Connecticut-the Constitution state, when do the
people of Connecticut perpetuate liberty for the sixth ward, New England's rising
star? It's been a question since
1840 people crammed in tenements on the
river-there was no running water-and
that was the most important
thing
I learned in college.
But now there is
more that keeps me learning
running in this high school.
But I, I had room for Zen
and the Art of Western and Asian Wood
working in this high school
spirals around first, second, third
lunches spent in earnest
talks I had prepared for all day.
And now, in stride, I realize how many
grade levels I am behind.
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