“On The Way” by Maxine Hong Kingston
On The Way Once I was on an airplane besidea village girl in the window seat. At takeoffI asked her, “Where are you going?”“Waw!” She shouted in surprise, and grabbedahold of my hand, “You speak… Continue Reading
“Zebra Question” by Shel Silverstein
Zebra Question I asked the zebraAre you black with white stripes?Or white with black stripes?And the zebra asked me,Or you good with bad habits?Or are you bad with good habits?Are you noisy with quiet times?Or… Continue Reading
“Who Joined With You?” by Paul Celan
Who Joined With You? The lark-shaped stone from the fallow. No sound, only the light of agony helps to carry it. The height whirls itself out, more violently still than you both. . Paul Celan,… Continue Reading
“Fire Bird” by Ray González
Fire Bird After Henry Dumas The fire bird isidentified again. Trees blow upin the forest where oncetheir wings and throats were colorsof forgiveness. The cottonwoodoutlining my window totters again.Every year, the fire bird scorcheswhat you… Continue Reading
“I Wanted to Share My Father’s World” by Jimmy Carter
I Wanted to Share My Father's World This is a pain I mostly hide,but ties of blood, or seed, endure,and even now I feel inside,the hunger for his outstretched hand,a man’s embrace to take me… Continue Reading