My Grains, Deconstructed

This time around, I will not scatter these grains
to land where the weeds might choke them.
This time around, I will collect these kernels
and take them to the gristmill in my head
to crack under all that weight and break free…

 
Turning while the other is static
Between these stones lay our thoughts—
  (the bran, the germ, the endosperm)
Fibrous fertility re(de)fined.


Crushing each layer to smithereens
Grinding and grinding, round and round
Negligent space between these stones
‘til I can think no more.
 
I gather my bushel of milled thoughts (ground yet still whole),
add some yeast, sugar and water.
 
We rest and we rise,
we take the punches and fall,
but we embrace the heat and rise again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
---I smile as I bite into my warm, buttered pan de sal
    mesmerized by the sun, glowing in the east...



06042018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
October 29, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Oh this is so YOU. It comes out warm as fresh bread . Yes it's mostly the same here but also yes, the vibe has changed and such amazing poets are no longer with us
Agustin Avatar
December 16, 2024 at 5:50 AM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
Goff Avatar
September 19, 2024 at 11:23 PM
Hi again Nikko, hope ur well, jamesy
Thomas Avatar
September 23, 2022 at 9:32 PM
Dang it Nikko this is flipping awesome,,, borrowing my seven year old's expression of approval lol. I may not have expected to be raising a child at this age but he definitely keeps me on my toes! Seriously, awesomeness Nikko ;) Please be okay over there.
Williams Avatar
April 4, 2021 at 4:18 PM
Nikko, Nikko, Nikko, hello my wonderful collaborator, how are you? it has been such a long time since we last spoke. I hope you and your family are all well...David
Goff Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 6:48 AM
Nikko...my takeaway...every day...gathering ones grains to build a sustainable dream to reality...very esoteric, lovely...jamesy
Ajmal Avatar
July 1, 2018 at 7:31 AM
Ahh, such a sweet and lovely poem this is, full of metaphors and it certainly was a joy to read, good luck and have a nice day
George   Avatar
June 22, 2018 at 9:00 AM
BEAUTIFUL WITH WONDERFUL METEPHORES AND WORDS OF WISDOM. MANY COGRATS ON YOUR WIN. Sincerely, Elaine
Gentry Avatar
June 22, 2018 at 6:36 AM
Congratulations on your win with this awesome and profound poem!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
June 18, 2018 at 6:57 PM
Wow. This is SO GOOD. A fave :) Congrats on your win in the contest! xomo
Smith Avatar
June 13, 2018 at 4:31 PM
Amazing piece Nikko
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