“February” by Margaret Atwood
February Winter. Time to eat fatand watch hockey. In the pewter mornings, the cat,a black fur sausage with yellowHoudini eyes, jumps up on the bed and triesto get onto my head. It’s hisway of telling… Continue Reading
“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
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein
Where the Sidewalk Ends There is a place where the sidewalk endsand before the street begins,and there the grass grows soft and white,and there the sun burns crimson bright,and there the moon-bird rests from his… Continue Reading
A Recipe for Mac & Cheese by Leo Tolstoy
A Recipe for Mac & Cheese Bring water to a boil, add salt, then add macaroni and leave boiling on light fire until half tender; drain water through a colander, add butter and start putting… Continue Reading
“Her Dreams” by Nikki Giovanni
Her Dreams Mommy always wantedTo be famous She would have us (my sister and me)SingIn all the talent showsBut I could not carry the harmonyThen she had meSingAloneThough The Isley BrothersAlways wonRonald’s sweet voice and… Continue Reading
“It is Not Enough” by David Whyte
It is Not Enough It is not enough to know.It is not enough to followthe inward road conversing in secret. It is not enough to see straight ahead,to gaze at the unbornthinking the silence belongs… Continue Reading