I found it behind an old work bench, water stained and curled on the corners, looking as forgotten as an out-of-luck beggar. But like in the beggar's eyes, there was a past that was full of hope and still warm memories. My sister's college collage of collective consolations; hugs from home for the lonely days, those that come on the "in between" years when sometimes we just want to be a kid again. There were half unglued photos of home and vacations, and clips of
Fabian, Elvis, Ricky Nelson, the Beatles, the Stones, and a peace sign. Ha, in the corner, there was an old photo of me kissing her on the cheek (Mom said to) - I was seven and she was five. Funny, I didn't even think she liked me much...
Do you want me to play music?
This is a teacher who obviously does not write much.
I was giving them silent thinking time
for the thinking-writing activity I had assigned to them.
I am horrified, but it is her room.
I am the interloper, and she has already asked.
They have said ‘yes’.
Funeral dirge comes out of her computer.
I want to gloat; the kids look up, horrified.
I am here fifteen more minutes
in the bowels of hell with this woman.
Who is insistent on everything a particular way.
Perhaps that is why she has spent a year putting up no bulletin boards?
Only borders. I would rather be wearing an orange jumpsuit,
running from the cops.
But here I sit with my pasted smile
For twelve minutes.
Glad I am not one of these fourth graders stuck here all day.
“None will ever see the future it is pasted and not present”
Abased backspaced,
Barefaced boldfaced
Debased facestraight
Bowl shaped misplaced
Toothpaste Colgate™
9/21/19
Written words by
James Edward Lee Sr. ©2019
You are pasted
forever on the wall
of eternal intrigue
To scrub it away
the world drum
of reconciliation
must be sounded
for all humans
to bear witness
the nearest the farthest
anything in between
sureley you boast of things not seen
may the words you speak
baffle the weak
all for nothing or nothing at all
on my feet as you crawl
standing still
perpetual way
fending off
your dismay
last line pasted time.
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