“The Mask” by Maya Angelou
The Mask We wear the mask that grins and lies. It shades our cheeks and hides our eyes. This debt we pay to human guile With torn and bleeding hearts… We smile and mouth the… Continue Reading
“June Wind” by Wendell Berry
June Wind Light and wind are running Over the headed grass As though the hill had Melted and now flowed . Wendell Berry, 1934- © 2001 Wendell Berry Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash Continue Reading
“Truth” by Gwendolyn Brooks
Truth And if sun comes How shall we greet him? Shall we not dread him, Shall we not fear him After so lengthy a Session with shade? Though we have wept for him, Though we… Continue Reading
“When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou
When Great Trees Fall When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, lions hunker down in tall grasses, and even elephants lumber after safety. When great trees fall in forests, small things recoil into… Continue Reading
“I Am Not Seaworthy” by Toni Morrison
I Am Not Seaworthy I am not seaworthy. Look how the fish mistake my hair for home. I had a life, like you. I shouldn’t be riding the sea. I am not seaworthy. Let me… Continue Reading
“My Lover Who Lives Far” by Camille Dungy
My Lover Who Lives Far My lover, who lives far away, opens the door to my room and offers supper in a bowl made of his breath. The stew has boiled… Continue Reading
“Don’t Bother the Earth Spirit” by Joy Harjo
Don't the Earth Spirit Don’t bother the earth spirit who lives here. She is working on a story. It is the oldest story in the world and it is delicate, changing. If she sees you… Continue Reading
“Praise the Rain” by Joy Harjo
Praise the Rain Praise the rain; the seagull dive The curl of plant, the raven talk— Praise the hurt, the house slack The stand of trees, the dignity— Praise the dark, the moon cradle The… Continue Reading
“When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” by Walt Whitman
When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd 1When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d,And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring. Ever-returning… Continue Reading
“Fear is a Liar” by Amy Hirsh
Fear is a Liar Fear says, “You’re finished.”Love says, “This is a new beginning.” Fear says, “You’ll never recover from this.”Love says, “You will be satisfied with a full life and a prosperous future.” Fear… Continue Reading