gone was the meek/downtrodden servant/girl
a woman stood in her place: cunning/ruthless
elegance concealed breasts more savage than any princess
ancillary fairy godmother's guidance
Cinderella manipulated/eliminated any rivals
path through fabled tales covered in viscera
meandering jars with lifeblood
she felt a surge:
pride/power/dangerous
each drop represented victory
no longer a mere dam(e)
steadfastly
eyes were bedroom shut conversation
earth had inhaled tenebrism
bending itself to her will
undead battalion advanced
gait erratically photo shopped
yet, propelled forward
unwavering fealty to their mistress of the manor
The shadow peers through my window every night,
I hear it before I see it,
a hush of breath against the glass.
I go to the window but it’s empty,
just the black lawns stretched
like a dark skin over the earth.
I feel at a loss to protect my daughter,
her small chest rising
with the oceanic rhythm of sleep.
Could it be—
but it isn’t—
a trick of light, a memory?
I don’t think that I should tell you,
but I am—please believe me,
I would never invent this kind of fear.
The air bends, as if something leans in,
as if it wants me to know
I am not alone.
I press my palm flat to the pane,
the cold glass,
the nothing beyond.
I remember my own mother’s silence,
the way she turned her face from me
when I told her of the man in the hall.
Now my child sleeps while I stand guard,
and the shadow keeps its vigil,
patient, endless,
hungry as night itself.
Uh huh
Jambalaya
Uh oh
Crawdad gumbo
That spice
It’s Cajun nice
Girl there
With long blonde hair
She’s flame
and can’t be tamed
Legs long
Bayou beat song
So nice
Red beans and rice
Real sweet
With pepper heat
Hot day
Shrimp etouffee
So real
She makes me feel
Her eyes
Beautiful lies
Much more
Oh I adore
Love taste
Rush passion’s haste
Salt sweet
Such tender meat
De-sire
Swamp born fire
Hunger
Never sated
Give me
What she plated
Eat till
I’m full to burst
Need her
A voodoo curse
Feasting heartily with delight
special kids expressed thankfulness*
that God's provisions do abound
as they savour fruit salad bite
with fresh strawberries’ dominion
of glazed honey and creamy milk
beside sweet blueberry cheesecake
midst inviting roasted chicken.
*1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
July 31, 2025
Honorable Mention, "1402" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 8/9/2025
As he spoke of life he bristled
A soft rustiness in his voice
Calling you to listen
While challenging you not to
Those who listened seemed pleased
Those who didn’t seemed confused
Both unable to turn away
Captured by the cadence of the moment
Some thought about what he said
Some called him a fool
Yet, all continued to listen
To the sonorous tone of his voice
Some would return
Some would not
It mattered not to him
For he knows
He is an acquired taste
most nights . . . I go for a walk
and rest at an old streetlamp
one eve- baked smells floated by
the comfort and warmth of bread ~ ~ ~
and was back in gran's kitchen . . .
the s w e e t aroma a hug
this girl 'savoring' a slice
with creamy butter d r i p p i n g . . .
An explosion of flavour
Setting the taste buds alight
A tsunami of saliva
Dampening heat in the cave.
Like the sand beds of the sea,
Deeper elements spring forth
Revealing ingredients
Enriching the savoury dish.
By the street lamp we stand by,
our favorite restaurant.
Seeing people are eating,
hot dishes being devoured.
Food plays with my hungry tongue,
senses are jumping for joy.
Another heavenly meal,
mouth and stomach did enjoy.
It fills space with sense of grace.
Vitality curved in stone.
Sips of serendipity,
linger on as sediment—
long after applause dispels
likes into cadent memoirs.
Mellow in contemplation!
Jelly-set in sentiment!
Scent and money spent
Will power burning water slip deep in shower
She let's things slide back forth each a ride
She reads my mind finds path grip and collide
Unloaded loud screams wakes souls and found
Pulse and pull hair gripped and growled
She finds her shoes he pays the bill
Recollect and finds sweet debt
On my plate, I get to taste new things,
Every day—flavors that life brings.
Sometimes it's healthy, sometimes a mess,
At times I bloom, at times—distress.
I feel ruptured, torn apart,
When it’s finally my turn to start.
Oh! The fight between my heart and mind,
Oh! The silence and the violence entwined.
For ease, we chase some clever trick,
Like knowing "ominous" means an "ill omen" quick.
But the peace we find—doesn’t truly stay,
It feels more haunting than lighting our way.
A continuity of emotions, a stream of desire,
We wear them daily—our soul’s attire.
Colors fall and echo a subtle truth:
To win as a learner, not as a brute.
I’ve seen birds fly from morning to dusk,
To feed their young with love—not just as a task.
Struggles can bloom into moments of joy,
If love is the reason, not pressure to deploy.
Regarding food Sweets are my best choice.
I like beverages Whichever may be
For any kind of swEets I will raise my voice.
Always sweets arE favourite to me.
In daily diet desserT to include.
From menu, sweets I cannoT exclude.
Though sorry to say, I’m diAbatic patient.
Yet to taste sweets Simply impatient.
Sugar cube can also Tempt me.
From sweets I can nEver flee.
Tea Time
Lilting songs tuned up at tea time,
Mint scent pervades the nearby air,
No time better than at morn
On to start the day with soft taste,
Pursue the journey with a bang.
awful
offal
cricket
brisket
forage
porridge
gobbler
cobbler
boozy
smoothie
Juicy and sweet, these berries delight,
Unique flavor with a hint of almond's bite.
Native to North America's land,
Eaten fresh or dried, both are grand.
Baked into pies or made into jam,
Enjoyed in wines, a treat for the fam.
Rosy bronze leaves in spring's embrace,
Rich in nutrients, a healthful grace.
Indigenous peoples cherished them so,
Essential vitamins they bestow.
Saskatoon berries, nature's gift we know.
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