When I read
poems from the past,
I barely understand them.

I try, yes—
but they are minds
from another time.

It takes time
to connect with them.

Then I imagine myself:
will they, in the future,
read the poems I write to you
and understand
anything at all?

The fading light, a whispered plea,
When shadows lengthen, wild and free.
Only the embers glow so low,
Do we truly see the warmth we know.

The sun's bright blaze, a blinding sight,
We miss its grace in winter's blight.
Only when the snow descends so deep,
Do we feel the sun, a silent weep.

Her laughter light, a gentle breeze,
A whispered promise, soft and ease.
Only when she's gone, do we truly see,
The depth of love, for all to be.

The heights we climbed, a dizzying climb,
Now echoes fade, a whispered chime.
Only when we're lost in the depths below,
Do we comprehend the heights we've known.

Her spirit bright, a starlit night,
A love that shines, a pure delight.
Only when she departs, with grace untold,
Do we grasp the love, brave and bold.

So let her go, with whispered sighs,
For in her absence, love will rise.
Only in letting, do we find,
The truest truth, the peace of mind.

You look
at me
like
I should
have met
you
yesterday
or
at least
a little bit
earlier
than today,

This is the best life has to offer
How many times do you need a sign
Begging you to take advantage
On this, the best time of your life

No matter what it is you're going through
Deep down inside you know I'm right
The attitude is up to you
On this, the best time of your life

You are not the only one
Who must decide to rise and shine
It won't just happen on its own
On this, the best time of your life

Only you can rise above
Reaching for the unknown heights
Never settle on just enough
On this, the best time of your life

Again, this is the best life has to offer
Time after time you've seen the signs
Begging you to take advantage
On this, the best time of your life

Nature at one time beckoned me
In the blowing of its leaves
Yet treated with little respect
Out of neglect will leave you be

Roots that burrow into the earth
Trunks wide like the universe
Branches scale in height and breadth
It spawns an unending curse

A curse that leaves man to his own
Never again to call nature home
Given the chance and man blew it
Would things be different had he known

Now nature’s unmoved by man’s suffering
Man’s woes are his own doing
When on the edge of extinction all’s teetering
Stoic and indifferent, nature will see to man’s ending

By Mfena Ortswen & Mike Hauser

i do not wish to simply be a tulip
in a garden of assorted flowers

allow me this selfishness—
to be the sole object of love

to be the only flower
in your garden

it is unjust for love
to exist like this

sea and sky between us,
miles and miles more

but our souls
are closer, still

Mouths met, a soft, slow press,
No deeper drive, no need to confess.
Just lips aligned, a gentle art,
A meeting of minds, a beating heart.

Fingers brushed, a feather's grace,
A smile exchanged, in time and space.
No hurried touch, no burning need,
Just quiet joy, a planted seed.

Eyes locked, a silent vow,
To cherish now, this sacred now.
A gentle breath, a whispered word,
A connection felt, but never heard.

A soul's embrace, a spirit's flight,
Bathing bathed in pale moonlight.
No fleshly claim, no earthly bind,
Just peace and calm, for heart and mind.

A turkey, even if basted,
Too long in the oven is wasted.  
But gravy revives
When roasting deprives.  
It’s gotten so juicy, just taste it!

Within the spark, a shadow clings.  
To claim is to let go of strings.  
Each tether tightens, each cord sings.  
A heart that's held still grows its wings.  
Possession's weight, a gilded chain.  
Love burns both bright with joy and pain.  
The giving hand shall not remain.  
What fire consumes, it must sustain.