the rustle of autumn leaves
lulled cats
cuddled on the porch

under the dark blue sky
full of stars
in the moonlight

I see parents
grandparents’ house
burnt by war

listened to the croaking in the pond
the dance of leaves
dreamy

slowly I find myself
in the dark and bright
future

I bought tickets early in life
With what they'd given, what I'd taken
Expecting any day to have that ride
Yet once again mistaken

Through the years and through the smog
Miles of rails got rusty
Forgot way more than I'd been taught
Figure that's what it must be

I hate to think it's all for naught
Just like daylight savings
As I watch my train of thought
Pull out of the station

Where I see me eagerly
In the passing windows waving
Happy to be a sight to see
My mind off on vacation

Drinking from half-empty cups
Full price I'm still paying
Memory jog around the block
This is where I came in

All of it all for naught
You know what I'm saying
As I watch my train of thought
Pull out of the station

Just because I am on food stamps,
I am not lazy
I am not broke
I am not using the system
I am an educator.

Just because I am covered in tattoos,
I am not reckless
I am not on drugs
I am not irresponsible
I am an artist.

Just because I am a high school dropout,
I am not easily discouraged
I am not defiant with authority
I am not a trouble maker
I am a enthusiastic learner with a college degree.

Just because I am a single mom,
I am not raising my kids in a broken home
I am not doing it for a check
I do not hate my children's father's
I am doing twice the work.

Claire Alexander

my
inner moon rises
it's spackled lights
like penetrating eyes
wrapping me in its
blanket of
stars

I hear the whispers and all i think is
Why im not good enough?
Why im not complete?
What did i do to make them feel this way?
To hate me?
To feel rage?
All i do is i stay below
Try to keep calm with my head down low
I take the words
Their lethal blow
And feel the sadness
From head,
To toe

The mere thought of the beast
unlocks his cage.