Sweeteners Poems

No Getting Back to Normal, a 9-11 Poem
by Michael R. Burch

for the survivors of 9-11

Intrude upon my grief; sit; take a spot
of milk to cloud the blackness that you feel;
add artificial sweeteners to conceal
the bitter aftertaste of loss. You’ll heal
if...Read More

Break Time
by Michael R. Burch

for those who lost loved ones on 9-11

Intrude upon my grief; sit; take a spot
of milk to cloud the blackness that you feel;
add artificial sweeteners to conceal
the bitter aftertaste of loss. You’ll heal
if I do not....Read More

I started out with a few sweeteners in my coffee
And half and half
And then the experiments began

I am up to five sweeteners
A hot chocolate packet
Cinnamon and a pudding mix

I should exile myself 
From coffee making except
I have my eye on...Read More

He was my henchman, my minion, my stooge, and we both liked it that way.
But then he moved away with a new girlfriend, and became her henchman,
Leaving me to fend for myself.
And after all I had taught him.
He was perfect,...Read More

Chorus x 2
It’s okay if my ego wears jacket
it’s nice if my resume plays drums
I’m endowed, dazzling and full
so let the world know my hands are a major part
of those holding  it.

1. A personality that is a well powered...Read More

Young as just a week,
He was wrapped in a flannel.
His tender feet were shoeless -
Today was his appointed time;
 His feet must dialogue with gods.

The frontage was kind
To the pews and table.
The priest stood before the gods,
His grey hairs vouched...Read More

This town, this Silk Road had no toll to pay
yet from the east caravans again fill its
pharaonic marble and glass temples. Monolith

malls rise its clefts; eco-wilderness morph
into multiplex cinemas; mini golf
and carparks - the 20th Century gold fields.

A new rush...Read More

 Artificial sweeteners 
 Refreshing flavor 
 A modern day conundrum. 
 It says diet, but 
 Truly you’re joining 
 The cult of 
 Coke!...Read More

they come to you
as if honey-glazed & tip-toeing on
lilac petals

always smiling
always politely congratulating
for acts that anyone could really
do

squeaky clean with
sparkling white teeth that outshine
those found on toothpaste 
commercials

always agreeing with you
always going out of their way to
accommodate
regardless whether you plan...Read More