Prisoner Express Poetry Anthology

December 2008 Volume 3

Thank you to the following contributors: Marcus “The shackled flesh hangs heavy from the bones of Bailey, Timothy Baker, Ryan Barber, Theresa Battles, this sinner” - Ross Bonilla James Bauhaus, James Lee Beasley, Michael Belle, Jeremy Biddle, Bobby Biffel, Ross Bonilla, Ruben The shackled flesh hangs heavy from the bones of this Camberos, Thomas Cannup, William Chaplar, John E. sinner Christ, A. J. Crate Jr., Dana Crawford, Darrell, William And we weep for the stigmata children H. Davis Jr., Cecil Everett, Leroy ―Doc‖ Floyd, David Bloodied with the kiss of God Freestone, Cristobal Garcia, Brandon Lee Garvin, Gary Listening to the calling Gilbert, M.A. Glaros, Gary Gregory, George Hamilton, The wasted barren head space that only the wicked Tim Hampton, Charlie Harbert, Stanley Howard, perceive Kenneth Humphries, Dr. Richard Sunday Ifill, Gary Bowing low to the silent gods that once held sway over Jimenez, Johntrwell Johnson, A. Knight, Francisco J. man Lopez, Charles Marques, Johnny Angel Martinez, Jason The ancient leaf crumbled to yellow dust Moreno, Clifford M. Nowell, Juan Ochoa, Rickey Breathing the melange of illusions Pearson, Chantéll P. Price, Gerald B. Prisock, Ray We dream of lovers Reyes, Jeremy Rios, Brian Roberts, W.B.S., Sadd-Boy, Folded upon each other Bill Sims, Uri Small, Sr., Paul Smith, Jackie R. Sollars, Lethargically the willow men cure their offspring by the Starkim, Peter Stebbins, Charles Strickland, Anwar flame Tapia, Robbie D. Thomas, Jonathan Thompson, Brian Pulling the nectared sap from their tear filled eyes Joseph Wake, Reginald West, Jimmy White, Deandre Slowly the manger cracks Williams, J. Wilson, Ben Winter, Kenneth Woodard Frayed by the passage of the owl We surrender our love to the dark We received so much great poetry for Anthology 3 An offering to appease the wicked that we couldn’t fit it all in here and are saving it for Praying that somewhere it will be returned magnified Anthology 4. Anyone who sent poems in for In hope that we have not become the vain child that Anthology 3 has been signed up to receive Anthology throws their pearls before the swine 4, although we encourage you to send in more! Curled in the webbed corner we slice the heart from the center Feathers - Ben Winter Bleeding the last liquid love that runs red Head cradled by the maggot we slumber I don't know why the caged bird sings Dreaming of the last taste of flesh, the last feel of teeth But I do know why captive parrots pluck their wings The last sensation that you were once mine to hold Stripped of the freedom of the air Filtered, her voice slips through the thoughts that bind They choose to live their life bare me Hooked on her tongue she pulls me That plumage so decorative and bright Closer and closer we become Serves no purpose under false blanket nights Only to be separated again It only reminds of all that has passed In the midst of bars that never lack Mad Mojo - Gary Gregory

Perhaps caged birds sang sad songs In a mausoleum I meander But stupid humans were wrong all along With monsters behind the mirror In thinking that all the chirps In a graveyard of ghosts I gather Were anything but mournful dirge The ghouls appearing clearer In the cemetery of smoke I choke in I don't know why the caged bird sings Under its curse of corpses and caskets But I do know why he plucks his wings My past casts its pale face ―death mask‖ For at least while he plucks he's occupied It's over and done rotting in earth With a task that brings sick pride Resurrect it with painful reminders and give it rebirth What strength does the ground have to offer And without a chance to fly or soar Other than a welcome coffin?

He has no use for feathers anymore In the blue sky boy before I was broken

Haunted... haunting... hunted and hung 2

In the madness was the marked man I'd become Page A Haiku of Violence - John E. It's not like you wanted me anyway! Hate. I know hate. It follows my Christ trail, Farther Than Deep - Chantéll P. It fuels my desires and serves me Hunger Sated Price quite well Talons slash wildly For all my enemies I must need Winter mourns warm summer Farther than deep… destroy earth Seeking the surface to scream And with no guilt shall your pain be Bellies filled with blood of tears on a dead angels face alloyed. I Taste Cinders And the taste of leftover love! Tempers spring aflame For nothing exists which I do not Sweat drips across taut sinews Proclaiming states of hollow sound perceive, Reason burned to ash And shallow mirrors And never again shall you ever I Wonder What It Means —places of sand rivers deceive; Cold hands touch still breast where mothers smile and For the dust of your bones shall Winter‘s maw swallows dead play reindeer games… cushion my bread meat Farther than— As onward I hunt those who fear me Death laughs wantonly Deep… with dread Whipped and Tortured Deep… Crucified hands fixed Deep! My Nemesis - Jimmy White Back lashed red with swollen welts Deep and festering Can you tell that the page is torn? Dermatography Rally for a farther seep to the Falling to pieces from the misery Jack surface…. written within. Ripped throat jetstream Every word full of feelings, of pain, Each throb a pulse of life lost A Cimmerian Heart - Brian Joseph that flow in the blood, Knives cut butter and meat Wake That pumps through this lonely, A Promise of Hope broken heart. Bitten tongues run not Kill, and kill, and then kill again— Don't feel no sympathy for me, Eye to Eye, teeth behind lips My mind is persistent in its refrain Only for the page on which this Compassion always reigns For here in the dark I've gained new was written. friends For the misery, and pain, that feels Conquered - Timothy Baker Who through their means achieve everyday of my life, their ends. Was caused by my own worst Inside my hollow chest enemy Hate has conquered all the rest Lies beget lies which seemingly die My Self. Abhor me all you like For they cannot be seen with external Very few could stand the light eyes In the Arms of Hate - Timothy Everyone that you throw away But echoes of ripples of them shall Baker Languishes here day after day appear Only a few survive this hell Revealing the truth which we Lying in the arms of hate Some never leave their cells rightfully fear. Enfolded in her cold embrace Take a look around and see I have become resigned of late This is what you made of me Love? What is love? A flirtatious By the inevitableness of my fate Hard as stone, cold as steel whim Every night hate's all I feel That man things profess to alleviate I slack my thirst from a vile well Why do you make me suffer sin, Tainted forever with the lies they tell In a hell like no other? Given to them through an unnatural My heart and soul must endure the Let me look one last time at the sky curse; hell Let me find some peace and die A poison which they have been fed Of being trapped within this cell Tears all dry and gone away from their birth. Only hate again today Surrendering slowly to the pain Leave me alone to die in peace Blocking all else from my brain I only want this pain to cease Struggling not to go insane Shut the door and walk away Knowing I can never reclaim

From my eye a tear gleams Amends - Brandon Lee Garvin I’m Just a Mouse - Rickey Pearson Over my lost and wasted dreams Justice is lost or so it seems Back down memory lane, again and I‘m just a mouse trying to find a way Deep inside I can hear the screams again… through this labyrinth life Too fast to stop, to slow to begin searching for the answers to Everyday I must suppress Slow pain remaining, it‘s not the end questions I know not and of The reality of my growing madness Gotta choose who are your foes and course the cheese. The trappings Living in this empty blackness who are your friends of this maze have me in a Born from despair and sadness Where‘d it all take you to, what road constant daze, so all I do is then? wander and here and there I hope Surviving on the strength my hate has Why did they send you for dividends tests of time that I‘ve withstood fed in the Penn? up to now, beyond have prepared Tossing and turning on my narrow And who gives a damn about me for this rat race that I continue bed memories to lend? to run. Tormented by the life I dread What kind of blend amends this cold A race from start to end with smell Knowing it will end when I'm dead hearted sin? my only clue. I race headlong Want me to ask you this again and into walls and now headlong into World of Stone - Gary Gregory again? you and reality. Screaming, with I said, ―How the hell do we make a jolt I come to the day of flesh I am cold, in a world of stone, amends?‖ and blood where skies get blue The sun a vague memory, warmth a and gray and blue again. And myth Stay Strong - Reginald West though I succumb to this Gravity weights upon my soul, which numbness that I feel, I know longs to fly free Within every difficulty, there's inside And be one with the mist inherent good, If you can stay That the cheese is getting closer. Searching for inclusion, but all alone strong, you should. in purgatory suspension Stay strong when unexpected Who’s Stuck - WBS Not long for I wander the graveyard problems come your way. You hoping for ascension can bear them another day. Silence, aggravation, thoughts, Longing for a lost love, a lost No matter how tough they seem to staring…flatline— meaning, a lost world... be, you must face facts Stuck on this trip, zoned out, and this Blown to pieces in blackout oblivion realistically. year… time A sentence for my shadow to shade When fear, nervousness and anxiety And that world bars none, cold more obsidian rise up inside of you, outside this house of pain I can feel the chill go down into my You're through if you don‘t know Strugglin‘ on both sides of the fence, bones what to do. same ol‘ game Broken when cracked on the Because worrying is a state of fear, Solitude, idle time… a disadvantage pavement keep your faith near or a stepping stone? I am only a skeletal soul Through deep breathing exercises, Plans, future remedies, throw ‗em on In this hollow vessel of enslavement mediation and sincere prayer, that table when I get home you‘ll be able to do things that She loves me, she loves me not… “Tickle fickle me” - Doc are beyond compare. kids, marriage, why not? Because a strong person has a fully Head up, foot down, hold on, it‘s all Tickle fickle me, developed mind, that‘s in you got laugh at all we seem to be, harmony with time. Now they got your joy, can‘t take my masters awake. They are filled with optimism, do not your pride, wait! There goes your see difficulties in every situation soul and believe that the good in life Stripped of attire, can‘t get any outweighs cynicisms. worse, a big heart with bullet With inner strength, you begin to holes look like you‘re god-sent. Stabbed in the back, jammed into a

But practice is the key, when you brick wall

begin to be, you‘ll see. They will strike you, fast, don‘t let 4

Stay Strong… them catch you fall Page

Move around, get back up, dust it My perpetual view A Rival company comes cruising off… head first again Sees you for who Freddy and his friends expected no Ball up your fists, guard's up, You pretend to be feuds offensive mode… Ride it out til My thoughts But death claimed one of those the end Provoke dudes. Keep on swingin, hold that long Subconsciously Sadness and woe visit friends and wind, gasp for air My smoke family— Get back up, catch your breath, don‘t Keeps you awake at night In the streets and all who hear worry, you‘ll be there MY! Grief embarks stories of fear. Solid rock, flesh grind, hit ‗em hard, knock ‗em out Parasite - Gary Gregory Apologies do not stay the hate You won‘t lose, wipe it up, time to Nor is revenge ever too late. roll… no doubt My time is up the reaper is grim Wash your hands, brush it off, move I have no light or love within Forest - Ben Winter on, road‘s all yours The door is shut and the walls are F.T.W. laugh at ‗em, they‘re stuck… cold I try to bury the past deep on all fours The hours are empty and the lies are But like seeds of some twisted tree Lonely times, some years ahead, it‘s bold They sprout again and cover me cool though, chill Sanity's no more rage, keep it The signal is not getting through Cover me with the shadow of grounded, you will There's too much damage being done memories You stuck? Nah it‘s them… The bones are brittle and the skull is That block the daylight I crave ignorance breeds fear too Creeping higher and higher as time They're exhausted, can‘t win, and so I'd like to split it wide open and feast goes by the end breathes near upon I am unable to sever the tie …Now who‘s stuck? Violence begets violence so they say I try to poison the roots with hope My - Cristobal Garcia Indignation is sometimes too But this only feeds the tree righteous to go away Until once again hope is drained My drink It festers like a poisoned wound Will offend you bleeding disease I try to hack the trunk to splinters My hand It begs to be heard, it begs for release With sheer force of my will Feeling for some Only to blister my hands to a bloody My God In the end it cares not in whom it mess Will forsake you resides My my my It's a corrosive bug that eats away I try to burn the leaves to cinders Voice is the lion inside With passion That screams for attention It says you have every right to feel Only to scorch myself in the process My words are the bullets that kill justified The silence And any act no matter how brutal is And even as I turn away from My exploitation necessary to rectify This one twisted tree My instability By that evil f*c!*ng parasite It scatters its seed and I am My tendency Surrounded by a fearful Forest My my my Driveby - Gary Jimenez Where unknown things dwell My high In a perpetual, artificial twilight Intimidates you Prodigal characters Waiting for me to sleep My eyes Raised and praised in the street Pierce through Stealing and beating those they meet Perhaps someday I'll stop My demons Street corners set borders— Fighting the Forest Chase after Hence crime and graffiti rhyme And gather my strength ... Every pill That play and prey our time

My my my ... Gather the strength to

Cry of thunder Climb the canopy and 5

Trembles down like fire Finally find my way out Page

Race of Life - Bill Sims Speaking primitive words Young men wonder Acknowledging primitive emotions while old men yearn At birth, I explode with energy and —coping as primates! time will pass on speed Spoiling the soul with promises of and the earth will turn. from the starting line of life and luxury— time. You live your life in longing At 5, I with speed and energy side by Tugged along by acceptance and death is what you earn side Proclaiming to be advanced the cycle continues leaving time and worry far Living a primitive existence and the earth will turn. behind. Stand a primitive stance! At 15, I can‘t wait for time to catch After centuries of progress the human Humans have so many cares up mind still dances but it is really of no concern and get in stride. a primitive dance… what ever happens on it At 25, centered between time and the earth will always turn. energy Flow Free - Cecil Everett I am full of joy over the great Love and Hate - Timothy Baker race. …Let GO and flow free, At 40, speed is just out of reach Comprehend that Life is not as Love and hate, side by side and time is stepping up the pace. shallow The kiss of death, the lover's bride At 65, energy is a stride ahead As you‘ve Lived it to be Hate and love, a thin red line aches and worries are my A better friend you will not find Achilles instead. Let Go and flow free, Love and hate, together they stand At 80, death becomes my closest Come to Know the Truth of Thee, Pain and sorry they always demand friend that Thee are one Hate and love, gasoline and fire as I prepare for the race to the And separate from you are none, Together they burn a cruel desire end. Love and hate forever there Let Go and flow free, Always causing death and despair The World’s No Longer Flat - Transcend the boundaries of duality, Hate and love who's to blame William Chaplar Right and Wrong, A crazy lover, the killer's sane Good, Bad, Happy, Sad, Love and hate, where do they part Some kids who live in poverty All Delusions Together they live in our heart may view the world as flat. Flip sides of the misperceived coin of Hate and love, where does it end Like when they walk through ghetto life A loving foe, an evil friend streets Love and hate, hate and love and step on a dead rat. Let Go and flow free, Both created by the man above. The dreary world they live in come to you, so that you will know gets more dreary every day. me Life - Sadd-Boy The world‘s no longer flat, most intimately, and then we shall be but some sadly see it that way. as we were intended to be, the one Life isn't a destination—it's a journey who is Many, and the All which is We all come upon unexpected curves “Defined by primitive desires” - the One, Let Go and flow free… and turning points, mountaintops Chantéll P. Price and valleys. The Earth Will Turn - William H. Everything that happens to us shapes Defined by primitive desires Davis Jr. who we are becoming and in the Confined by primitive thoughts adventure of each day Seeking pleasure for the physical New life conceived We discover the best in ourselves and denying the heart! a child will learn remember, I will always be on the man will grow turning point no matter how high Caught in a rip-tide of illusions the earth will turn. the mountaintop or how low the Confused by one‘s accomplishments! valleys are ... Hoping for a better tomorrow The moon eclipses It's just another journey around the by deceiving for comfort today… and the sunset will burn sun. the seasons will change 6

and the earth will turn. Page

Thorns - M.A. Glaros And who must I follow or claim as Will enter into a dark age… saviour The SUN may not shine ah … I smell roses of life To be part of one world And the MOON may not cast its wafting fragrance of bloom nomenclature? glow… the gift of spring When compared with all the heroes But the children represent our future O yes I smell the roses of life past They are our passport to create… And What final price will I be asked? Everlasting history. I eat the roses: flowers, stems and If ―we‖ do not love them NOW thorns And how these questions ill at ease We may not get another chance to Entomb my mind in their disease; love them… Rising Up - Juan Ochoa However did I attain this soul, TOMORROW! Of sin and salvation juxtaposed? See the children standing there, In the Morning... Don‘t be blind… Washing Traces Dust - Ben Winter Look at them from the corners of of the faces your mind… And Places from My Memory As the dust settles on this page See them ―glowing with the That I Dreamt Sanity strains like rusted nails in sunlight?‖ The Night before warped wood They are the real PYRAMIDS. Dressing in Yesterday's Misfortunes Barely able to hold it together The KEY into tomorrow. And Tomorrow as I Stare We determine how they will bud… At the Solid Never Opening Door! The jumbled moments of a lifetime We determine whether they will Then I run Across the Rages Are swept away with the dust become: Crossing Old and Broken Bridges And I must labor to reconstruct Dr. King, Malcolm, Garvey, Rosa over the Rivers of Once More Parks, All the smoke and all the burning To re-assemble myself piece by piece The Queen Mother Moore or I'm Stepping Slowly Turning Like a strange puzzle of sorts Corretta. And my Brown Heart Whose image I've seen before They are our E equals MC2 is ever Yearning Yet the enigma still remains Our Plats, Apollo Creeds, Marleys In the Shadows of Nightfall and Billy Holidays and Miles alone I Cry Aloud And I ask myself this: Davises. To the World... As I continue with my task These little one‘s are our Christs… Amidst its Invasion And the last piece is laid in place Our Buddhas and Muhammads… and Confusion, As I endure Will I like the image I see The ones out there, standing with What Remains of Or will I prefer the muddled heap? Tears as big as raindrops… This Pershing Fate Whatever happens I must wait Because we are neglecting them. And Move Towards my Destiny! To discover what this life has become Didn‘t someone teach you that through the children…. Nomenclature - Leroy “Doc” Floyd And as the dust settles on this page We live ―forever?‖… once more Therefore, love them and hate them And whence this desperation comes I wipe it aside and watch the pieces because no one… Of despair and consternation wrapped fly Taught them in one? Cursed to repeat it all again To see them, is to understand them. When did all I'd sought to prove Because the children will create Remove the faith I'd fought to use? The History of the Universe Lies in tomorrow‘s history… the Children - Dr. Richard And what have I as possible gain Sunday Ifill We create today‘s history, To explain a lifetime full of pain? We create our future… How am I to accept such terms Somebody needs to ―love them‖ Suffering as I do these germs? They are the cream of the planet earth Ah, but the children are our seeds of The CHILDREN that is… tomorrow‘s growing tree. They are God‘s greatest gift to us Therefore, we must be careful how

They represent our ―FUTURE‖ we plant our seeds,

If they perish… Least they get caught between the 7

Our future, thorns and… Page

Come back to ―sting us‖ in the Someday - W.B.S. Hummingbirds and Runningbears spring. - Kenneth Humphries Or they can spring up with the Damn, it‘s been awhile, months and sunshine, months gone by Listening to the birds singing, she Like EVER GREEN TREES… Been kickin‘ back thinkin‘, begins humming, Bearing good fruit all year around. wonderin‘ why As I sit at her feet, under this big ol‘ Cast them not to the ground, Just doin‘ this time the best I know cottonwood tree, Least the pages of our history… how Waiting for another story that Becomes shadows written in the Wonderin‘ what the broad and the recounts history ground… kids doin‘ now Her every word carved in stone to me That will fade away with time Lonely nights up in this cell (the child I used to be) Ain‘t got no money, can‘t make no She‘s looking older than these Ozark My Daughter’s Child - William bail Mountain hills Chaplar Your package came through, they Wrinkles as deep as this holler we called my name live in The world that we live in will not be Had a heart of stone, but today it was Brown eyes twinkling, contrasting so wild tamed against her long grey hair In the lifetime of my daughter‘s Opened it up and seen the pictures That‘s flowing—sometimes child. inside braided—all the way down her With the planet, our species will be One in particular almost made a man back reconciled cry In the lifetime of my daughter‘s The lil‘ guy really does look like me! Now she‘s reaching for her cigarettes, child. Don‘t know how I couldn‘t ever see her red lighter, Those with divergent beliefs will not Guess age is like a ―Re-Run- For year‘s she‘s only smoked one be reviled Carnation‖ brand (her favorite) Vantage, In the lifetime of my daughter‘s He smiles like his Dad with no I worry for her—she smokes too child. hesitation much—I couldn‘t bear War, as a solution, will seem juvenile Changes come and go, most people But she tells me not to be silly (and To the classmates of my never stay shakes her head) daughter‘s child. But I hope ya‘ll keep in touch, She‘ll die of something much grander Racial disparity will be deemed forever and a day than cancer puerile Seems like a lifetime since I last seen She (my grandmother) named me By the classmates of my your face yanu‘adisi (Running Bear) daughter‘s child. So far I‘ve spent some years up in She said my two year old legs were Stereotypes will be dubbed infantile this damn place always running EVERYWHERE! By the classmates of my Ya‘ll write me back, as soon as you Much like these forty-two year old daughter‘s child. get a stamp tears, as I remember her At no time in history has life been so Send pictures and postcards and even mild a travel map ―Granny, Granny, the little people are As it will be for my daughter‘s Damn it's been too long, got lots of hiding in your house!‖ child. catchin‘ up to do ―Runningbear, are you sure? In my On no other person has Providence Know that I still care and love and house? Really? But how?‖ smiled miss the both of you ―This morning I awoke and heard As she will upon my daughter‘s them talking! About me!‖ child. giggling, If only it seems only idealism, I‘ve ―Well, they are my friends of the been beguiled, Tsalagi, you little halfbreed,‖ Humor me. This is my smiling daughter‘s child! And another time

―Grandma, I brought you a picture,

it‘s me, your runningbear, in the 8

army…‖ Page

Sighing, rewinding lost time, ―My Silent Screaming - Clifford M. Were hurting your lives. favorite grandson‖ reminiscing, Nowell And destroying your chances… fading, drifting Not only to grow and mature I lean down and kiss her on the An ensemble of emotions, Into ―Kings and Queens‖ cheek, dark and leathery, hickory Rage throughout a young mind, That you all are destine to becoming, smoke smelling sanctuary Warped by incestuous acts, But, they were also destroying and She takes me in her arms, hugging Illegally and insidiously obtained, disconnecting my ―bond‖ me – how much time‘s left? I‘m By coaxing or intimidation. That a ―Father‖ should have with his scared and wondering. Neglected of parental passion, children, Cravin encouragement and approval, All of whom I love very much. And another… Inviting acceptance of immorality. So… Sadly taught sexual transgressions, I CHANGED FOR YOU. In the middle of the night, coming in Are physical equations of love. from out of town, unexpectedly Invitations of lustful congresses I have up my old negative ways, Knocking on her door, waking her Are readily extended, bringing The bad habits, up, patiently, ―Who‘s out there?‖ Future harm, invisible dangers. Misdeeds, imperfections and wrong ―It‘s your wandering grandson, I got Psychogenic states go unnoticed, doings,. a surprise,‖ door opens slowly but Sexual improprieties deemed normal, I realized that I had to sacrifice… wide Gender lines drawn, then crossed, These bad images that made me a ―Who‘s this pretty girl with you?‖ As physical aggressions prosper. poor example— ―Grandmother, she‘s, well, meet Denial of sexual access, Of a Father, because as a Father, my wife.‖ Shock, stun, flabbergast, angers, I came to realize that my Introducing series of self rejections, ―CHILDREN,‖ Another Accompanied by imagined verbal Are supposed to be the most slurs, important ―What ya doing out here on the back Destroying a fragile confidence. Aspect of everything that I do. I porch, lovely lady?‖ alone, but Imagined looks of contempt, realized that I had to start setting animated, pretty Degrade thoughts of self-esteem, a better example, ―Oh just watching the hummingbirds Igniting anti-social behaviors. Because without my CHILDREN fly around the feeder… They‘re Confusion, fear: clearly in view. Life would have no meaning… so busy!‖ Needs, wants: out of reach. So ―Well, um…I was fixing to sight – in Desperate yearning invades wrecked I changed for you my 30-30. We‘re going deer psyches, hunting this morning‖ While early learning reverts/diverge, CHILDREN. ―Sit and watch the hummingbirds Upon unsuspecting youthful victims, You are my anima… with me a minute, son—They‘re Needful of tender loving acceptance, And being by anima‘s, trying to tell us something.‖ Silently screaming for rescue You animate my life in such a way— Will they ever be heard? That I breathe because of you And finally Your energies motivate me I Changed For You - By Dr. Your vibes feeds me strength… Another knocking in the middle of Richard Sunday Ifill And inspired me as a father the night—my door this time... To want to change for myself ―Grandma‘s gone‖ ―CHILDREN…‖ When I look into your eyes, She‘d lost a leg, then the other— I see the ―reflections of the universe.‖ death taking her piece by piece— You are the essence of my life, Like ―Sunlight‖… my brave kolanu The spirits moving within my soul, You sustain it… We buried her under another big My breath of life… You made me realize the fact, that if cottonwood tree – oaks and And the ―purpose‖ and ―reason…‖ ―I failed‖… cottonwoods as far as the eye can For my existence. Your worlds would have shattered see You are the seeds of my heart, like ―Broken Glass‖… I hung a hummingbird feeder from a And my ―life line‖ into tomorrow. So:

low limb, I couldn‘t stop I could not go on living the way... I CHANGED FOR YOU

crying… ―gv-ge-yu-hi e-li-si.‖ I have been, because I realized— 9

That my ―actions‖ and ―decisions‖ CHILDREN… Page

Never again will I ever leave you…. I’m Here - William Chaplar Father to Son - Ruben Camberos To journey through life alone, Without direction or guidance; The first day that you went to school, I carry you with me, wherever I may Or without the kind of father— Wet tears flooding your eyes; roam, knowing that some part of And role model that inspires you to The day you got hurt in the field me must be with you, perhaps greatness… And thought you‘d surely die; only a vague memory or an ever- And motivates you to become the That time where some one broke your growing emptiness inside your best in and at what ever you do in heart soul. life. And you weren‘t thinking clear; I know the fear and rage that I promised myself that I would strive Through all these, you were put at germinates within your heart; to make your ―WILLS‖ ease don't let it corrupt you. And destinies become a reality… When Mom told you, "I‘m I feel everything you are going SO: I CHANGED FOR YOU. here." through—don't give up and don't The tables turned, it's payback time give in to the beast who wishes to I changed because I realized, Your mother needs you now. unleash all the pain within. The pain and suffering that I was But through the years and all the I have walked the road you now walk causing you, tears, upon, I have felt the dread, And because I saw that I was the She aptly showed you how. shame, and anger you now feel— reason The best thing she can hear you say such is the way of the son without For your empty thoughts, low self- Is, "Don‘t cry, Mom, I‘m here." his father. esteem, You are facing the same trials as my Broken dreams, sadness, nights of Innocence - Jimmy White father before me and I have tears, faced, though, you do not have to Growing with fears and endless Reflecting on life as a child. fail your son as we have done, nightmares. Running through fields covered with you can break the cycle. SO: flowers, You are the hope of all your fathers I took pride in myself… In search of excitement through a before you, who have longed to And in doing so, little imagination. see their way through this I CHANGED FOR YOU. So easy to get lost when you're a treacherous quest, to slay life's I knew that one must change so that child dreaming, terrible dragons, to cast away the these children Pretending to be king, or a character heavy chains, and break the Can become the future leaders of our from Dungeons and Dragons, curse. civilization; With a stick for a sword we wage You must embrace the light while The doctors, lawyers, judges, wars with Demons, you're young—feel the warm rays governors and Presidents Conquering the impossible with the of the sun, which caress your That can lead the world into…. innocence of a child, being and let it into your heart–do Phoenix of Paradise. Protecting the weak, and leading the not seek to destroy the power of For these reasons my children… strong. love, as we have done. ―You‖ can proclaim to the world… In a world seen only through the eyes You, my son, must carry on through That ―your‖ Father. of a child, the bad and the good, through We rescue the princess and ask only light and darkness, through hate Changed for you. for a smile. and love, and through all other With a kiss on the cheek from our conflicts of this life—stand with imaginary bride, your head held high in human We sheath our sword, and mount our dignity–overcome the hurting horses to ride. child within. Through brooks and trees, and fields with flowers, We run home to mother and a nice hot shower. . .

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Life - Tim Hampton Like a lil‘ kid again, so damn happy We do not live with spies, crackers, and amused niggers and chinks Sense of warmth desires of love Takes awhile to get used to, I been Can‘t you see we are in this together? Moments captured on a picture with there… I know Please stop and think. laughter above Just take it as it comes though—slow We are all the same, my blood too Experience today the pain and sorrow and on ―Cruize-Control‖ stains red. Goin to sleep at night, knowin there‘s We need to awake the soul from the a better tomorrow The Message - Brian Roberts dead. Remember the message of the View the departin death as love ones What separates us is not our skin mountain top While celebrating the birth of young What we have or where we‘ve been It doesn‘t matter what others think, guns What oppresses me oppresses you, There‘s only one color, or together Witnessing the first things and lendin It is to each other we must be true we sink. to their strings Through love we may just one day As we watch them sleep at night, We are torn apart by society, lashed succeed hoping they‘re having pleasant at with fists. One blood, one God, that‘s all we dreams What is missing is kindness, a need brotherly kiss. Seein them mature as they grow old This is a world subject to ruin My Black Heart - Jonathan Givin them encouragement so they Hateful words and weapons. What Thompson could become bolder are we doing? To those who wonder... So sitting back and reminiscing is We have all in our lives prejudged quite nice someone Go ahead and laugh, I see it in you But we all should remember this is Labeled a book by the cover You wanna see me fail just a cycle we call life But I stand strong on my own Prejudice is a choice, ignorance and I‘m a strong black male! Cruize Control - WBS fault. Why must we pay the price so easily So real When the time comes for you to open bought? You would think I‘m made of gold that gate The choice to hate goes deeper than Out of my suffering It‘s ―goodbye and farewell‖ to those generalizations. Came the strongest soul! who hate Let‘s stop the tearing down time for Got a breath of fresh air… damn, new creations! So deep is my heart finally there Do not justify oppression, Yet it‘s a scarred place, The day flies by with no time to spare We must learn that all things are Beating at rapid speed Welcome back to the place you were connected. Unable to catch so don‘t give chase! once before Society has branded itself with a But do it right this time – hard to the racist mind I know no such thing as defeat core Children are taught to hate, not to be For I am born to use my mind, Family and friends stand tall and kind My heart is the sun after the rain they‘re down for you A black man born to shine! A grown up son or daughter sayin, ―I sure did miss you.‖ Beating hard for those of my It seems like eternity since you last community seen this place Leading brothers from the darkness Responsibilities and priorities all up With my head held high in your face I give you my black heart! Cruizin‘ in the ride, jammin‘ to the new CDs Arm hangin‘ out the window, hair

blowin‘ in the breeze Kinda stressful, but excited, at the

same time confused 11 Page

Livin’ in a State of Shock - Michael ‗cause “Within the world seen” - Doc Belle ya know once ya dead Within the world seen, It‘s like a cancerous strain ya return to dust a multifaceted edge, Metastasizzin‘ ya go on strivin‘ wonders explain God. ‗Til it consumes the brain to do And ya run head-long and pass on “I don’t want to be consumed” - With the self-destruction the right thang Jason Moreno That propels you to give you all to but The impending extinction since ya goin‘ against the grain I don‘t want to be consumed by the That compels you The world has ya labeled primitive attitude that permeates Not to give a damn As anti- American culture and convinces ‗Bout who you are Social boys at a young age that the three or who I am. And insane most important things in the With a smile world are: ―Money, Sex, and Of deadly defeat Who‘s to live? Power.‖ And self-denial Who‘s to die? I want to be a positive attitude about You say Who‘s to laugh? life. I want to learn more about ―Fuck the world!‖ Who‘s to cry? the world and less about the ‗cause Ya wanna know streets, more about romance and livin‘ is a trial When less about sex. I want to ask for Expressin‘ and stressing And ya wanna know directions. ‗round others Why I want to go to church not because yo‘ badness But the games I‘m dragged there, but because I when ya get alone Of deception want to feel free to get ―on my ya hold ya head down Bein‘ concocted knees and say long prayers‖ and I in sadness Mean want to do it and be more of a The elements of truth man, not less of one. Ya feel Are co-opted Maybe that‘s why I imagined myself Trapped Then twisted crying? I‘ve finally reached a And surrounded And twisted again maturity level that will allow me By enemies, ‗til what once was to go against the grain, live Ya heard of love out outside of society‘s definition But wonder now is all in limits, be a modern man. What it could be who‘ll be the loser? Or… Maybe it was just an abrasion The menacingly fickle powers of who‘ll be the winner? that has never happened before time Who‘ll be the last? and will never happen again. I Stack Who‘s the beginner? sure hope not, because the Mo‘ maniacal aspects of life Who has to follow? emotional release I experienced On yo‘ overloaded mind Who gets to lead? in my mind felt too good to keep And ya Who gets to choose, who gets what bottled up inside of me. But only Plot retaliation they need? time – and tears will tell how my Plot assassination Ya don‘t know story ends Contemplate But ya wanna reveal Ways to roll over the whole nation Life‘s mysteries ‗cause To bring an end to life‘s miseries ya see And bring some peace the wheels So within wheels Everyone in their soul, can say the lies keep comin ―I‘m Free!‖ but But ya know the deal It just can‘t be! ya recognize 12

hell is all around us Page

Motivation and Inspiration - Be True - Ray Reyes A Resignation - Brian Joseph Reginald West Wake Be you, To all my brothers and sisters still Be true Rising on the breakers of dawn trapped behind bars but not yet In all that you do- My eyes are cold, dark and drawn lost in the struggle: Express yourself how you like, For the road ahead is long and tired I want all of youse who‘s reading this Never be like And above me rolls a heaven expired right now to know that there is anyone else one thing that I won‘t let the Be yourself! Consequences indifferent, system keep doing to me and that No matter time or place, Here the angels have all fallen is continue to run my life. Tell and say what is in your heart And where I go I am not sent If something controls your emotions, on your mind. For there I've been forgotten then it controls your attitude, then Search and find the essence of you if that same thing controls your Never – So the greater of wills is chosen for attitude, it controls your actions Give in or give up. me, as well. Always stay true But not by my remittance But most of all, if your actions are Always be you! For I do not believe my soul shall fell controlled by someone other than The transcendence of my forgiveness. you, then so is your destiny! The King of Spazz - William H. Try to remember one thing in life if Davis Legacy of Your Own - Theresa nothing at all: Dedicated to all who struggle Battles Tough times don‘t last but tough with psychological disorders. people do You wasn't here when our ancestors Neurotic, psychotic, paranoid had to endure Onward! We March - Jeremy Rios anti-social and all that jazz being degraded, spat on, some even if a label is what you're looking for, lured. Marching with my brothers then label me … King of Spazz Step by step Into the woods beaten, raped, and As one we beat They want to get inside my head, even killed Heavy boots stamping the rain but no one has ever has for just being black, bad cotton soaked earth many have tried, but all have failed pickers or Onward, we march. I am the King of Spazz slowing up the production at the mill. Like rolling thunder we sweep down Crossing mountains, forests, and seas Bearded chumps with spectacles, How could this generation of our Reaching through the bounds of their questions make me sick, children learn about the past? nations they try in vain to ascertain The struggles, the fight, the to touch the hearts of men. just what it is that makes me tick perseverance and the voice of Onward we march. Dr. Martin Luther King shouting free Join us or fall Want to play a mind game, Doc? at last. Have no fear of death I can play with great pizzazz My brothers you have no chance of winning, I didn't understand our legacy when I Onward, we march. as I am the King of Spazz was your age either, but we are intertwined from the same Chasing our own immortality, I do not want your damned advice, cloth from which Together we march. people‘s sympathy or their razz we've all been cut I live alone inside my head, I remain … the King of Spazz So take the torch and carry it proudly, never letting the fire go out Young men and women of our future, your voices need to be

louder than theirs as you began to SHOUT!

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A Letter Never Sent - Charles surprise in your eyes at recognition of Stripped - Gary Gregory Marques intelligence. Then saying under your breath who the hell is this Take away the false bravado and strip What‘s up bro? Long story unrepentant fool. Just what am I them to the bone short, I need to use your address for supposed to do? Maybe live and love The scars are fading stories their parole and if I had your phone # that em like some Jesus bones and a agonies your own would be great. I hate to bother you muppet. Yes, no, maybe? This ain‘t Struggling with the mask to uphold but my date is coming up and it‘s Sesame Street. I am living proof you the image my past has placed getting late. If you don‘t mind please got to lump shit and hump it like a Not so immortal or polished or let me know. I‘d really love to hear dog in heat. I would sooner get perfectly made from the kids and you too bro. It between a lion and his meat than Just another disguise to hide all the seems like I rarely know where between a player and his treat. fears I've never faced you‘re at. At least I think you are Something sweet like Ashes and Red My blood is also red and my shadow having a ball. I ain‘t mad about it wine or Gems superimposed over is still akin to your shade just missing you all. Listen I satin spread mattresses. Callin all But my armour is heavy and rusting understand about moving at the speed you freaky actresses. I‘m back and I'm far from home of life and all the back biting and mackin a heart attack waiting to I guess it's there for a reason, a strife. I also understand everything I happen. Strapping young blade with battleground yet unknown was missing ‗cause behind these a fortune to make. How many more So pick up your disguise at the door walls I have had the time to reflect on lines will it take? Live free, fast and It might rain some more how I was broken and tripping. with a sense of compassion. It‘s a Don't leave home without it—you Maybe I was wise or just plain lucky grass roots happening! might appear human otherwise either way it worked out and it‘s Love, Or something more sinister—a kinda funny. How this sight was Charles coward full of pride gained at such a low price where Or filled with self-hatred and others have grasped it with a much Can’t W8 2 CU - WBS everything you despise higher sacrifice. One thing‘s for sure, There's always a gun or rock under there‘s always time for reflection A bunch of broken dreams and which to hide when you‘re alone, it‘s quiet, you ask memories, time sifted away We all have inner demons, hidden yourself hard questions. I find Yet not a second wasted in here, faces sneering beneath myself seeking solitude more and looking forward to that day Made undying by a bruise or a more as time goes on. Not that I This sentence seems like a paragraph, blemish ego has magnified as haven‘t come to peace within my but onto 6 ―words‖ in the mix unique environment. In fact I have made a And knowing when I get back, Not so trusting or forgiving yet so few good friends in which I count there‘s lots of shattered things to quick to deceive myself blessed. Solid peckerwoods fix Lying to you in subtle slithering who will stand with me through any I foresee my own struggles out there strides test. For them, I pray only the best anticipation of survival Only in fire can you purify! knowing they have to stay. They Might be some troubles in the air, Only in fire can you purify! encourage me to change my wicked hesitatin‘ upon my arrival It's okay to love yourself, forgive ways one at a time, while thanking But the strongest and the fittest, and yourself ―God‖ all I got was a dime. Five only those who stand tall Don't believe what they say—it's all years a young man had to burn five Are the ones who pull through to lies anyway more a mature adult he will return. finish, lived outside this wall. Don't give in—don't let them win All my dreams and plans must come The institutionalized mindframe is The voices, the ego, the demons on to fruit. Before all, I am an old gone, now my head‘s str8 in that the wind outlaw chasing crystal loot, turning world Don't become ill with the illusion fortunes on one more proof. These photos been stackin‘ up so Surviving trials and drinking from long, that my life seems like a hidden wells. Beating back death mural from the Greek's grave. I prevail as a As I sketch a poem or canvas, I do gypsy street knave dancing through the same for what the future holds this crazy maze. Like butterflies in a Just so tired of all this madness, and 14

sudden downpour, I am caught by the this penitentiary‘s getting‘ old. Page

Stuck - Brian Roberts Prison - Sadd-Boy Run as I may I cannot abscond The clasp upon this creature's bond. I‘ve entered a world of sorrow and Put on Ice, while life goes on. Master of the mass deceived hate Rest assured, that all is gone. My votes are what it needs to feed. Because long ago I made a mistake. I never dreamed I would loose it all. Prescription Procured By Propaganda I sit alone, watch life pass me by. So damned high, I had to fall. Pirates— It all started with a little white line Out of hope, betrayed again. Savage or the animal's pawn Nothing left I am in the pen. I am pro con I am pro con Walls surround my every move A golden life, turned to blue. Walls - Gerald B. Prisock U.$. of A Says “Must Stay” - A letter, a visit, that‘s all I ask Stanley Howard Laughter, a smile, a thing of the past. Four walls grow smaller every passing day Prisoners and their loved ones object There‘s no place to be myself Cell door slamming shut to their unlawful long STAYS, No corner, no hole. No damn help no sleep, no hope, no life But society gave no permission for Every day I‘m told to walk a straight them to have any $AY! line Each day blurs one to another Check the real facts and see if I‘m The road ahead, a tough one to climb Frightened voices, scared Faces LYING Fear of the unknown, what's next? It seems like it is righteous for prison Play the game of appealing your case Is this a dream? Where am I? guards to give prisoners abusive But deep down you know there‘s no DYING! damn way Bars and fences blocking the world Living life in prison is not Some coffee, a rip, a little canteen Does anyone out there remember me? GLORIFYING, The power of persuasion, that‘s all You are only a number wearing white But to some what president Bush you need Without a vision you are nothing does is, which borderlines oil ROBBING! A world built on bricks of despair Propaganda Pirates - Leroy “Doc” Separation by design, that much is Floyd Watching one‘s back in a prison yard clear isn‘t HARD, I walk the track, around and around I'm caught, caught within the claw Even though others in it can cause for Searching for peace to block out the Of the sharpened fangs of law. you to be for life SCARED! sounds And as this iron fisted beast, Bush can invade a country with false shuts its maw to feast, FACTS A hole, a ditch, stuck like chuck I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE While U$of-A put their own behind Pray for a ladder, or just a little luck FLAG! bars for trying to survive and put Some give in, change their name to So now I die within this plea clothes on their BACKS… missy ―My life to give for Liberty.‖ The pacmans of the system, each day Realizing one‘s mistakes don‘t take a new sissy I awake inside the monster's belly to long prison SENTENCES, a world it has devoured We all know that the ones who Food so bad, tasteless and raw Nations boil in bloody pains for recommend THIS I force it down, no money for the pitiful plans of power. Is those who are RICH store Euthanasia judges life But when a son or daughter of theirs Maybe someday it will all get better According to its own devices get into some lawbreaking SHIT I hope so, cause I‘m stuck here As this new religion kneels to pray They petition the law with their forever! We bless the souls of those it slays. wealth to RELENT!!!

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Who is to really blame for the crimes Think About It - Deandre Williams Slave mentalities instilled from the happening in the land that date of our births, suppose to be for the FREE? What you gonna do Leading us to believe that we‘ve Damn sure not men or women like When the music stops and then the chosen our worths ME hammer drops But it‘s all a mirage, a psychological No one likes to point to the powers The pigs ain‘t yellin stop barrage meant for distraction that BE, What-cha-gonna-do? To lead our attentions away from Because if evidence is presented, What you gonna do their actions those showing it won‘t remain When times are dangerous and Which are the same as ours, part of the FREE! they‘re enslaving us Made legal by their state and federal With bloodstained chains that aint laws Every crime should have a different made to rust Just let me explain PUNISHMENT, What-cha-gonna-do? We all have choices but who do we But no it mustn‘t because that will blame effect Federal and state purses What you gonna do It‘s an obvious matter!! staying CONTENT, When you cant feel no more cause Just look at the patters Money flows freely for prisoners they done sealed the door A sensei teaches his pupil what he WOE‘S, And gassed you to the floor knows, So why not continue the illegal shake What-cha-gonna-do? But holds back just enough to keep in down for the IN GOD WE control TRUST SHOW… What you gonna do Then a teacher or coach teaches their Bush and most Rich folks say it When all your team‘s gone cause all students strategies, on how to PAYS, your fears are born defeat their enemies So all wrongful imprisonment laws And you cant just take no more Before long, it‘s not only learned MUST STAY What-cha-gonna-do? But a part of your anatomy instinctively served George Walker Bush – the Psychological breeding in its purest Republican - Rickey Pearson What-cha-gonna-do? form What-cha-gonna-do? Passed on and on to generations born Born in Connecticut in 1946, he was Leaving them with no option to think a scourge from the womb What-cha-gonna-do? Destined from the start to sink Barbara Pierce, such a woman, how Now? Mentally locked away doing time could it come to be behind untruth That the first of her children was the Think about it Past down making innocents pay devil in disguise Giving them internal time to do A cheerleader in school, and a drunk Truth by this Species of Property - And that is the truth, bout this species in life Marcus Bailey of property Has since his birth brought to us all such great pain and strife. We‘re locked up, doing time for “Crystal flowers bloom” - Gerald He‘s mocked our forefathers and things we didn‘t do B. Prisock twisted up our constitution We‘re locked away, for things that Made the wealthy wealthier, left the certainly aren‘t true Crystal flowers bloom rest for destitution It was self-defense I swear to god, it‘s Dripping with sweet morning dew At every turn he‘s missed a step and how I felt Sunrise awakens landed square on his ass The life of a slave was too much Was a time when our leaders valued weight for my belt such a thing as class See I was raised by the system, even America the beautiful is falling hard trained by the system and fast Now I‘m being blamed for their But no one gives a damn anymore, no living

one‘s learned from the past It‘s kind of ironic, That this illness I have is chronic

Centuries of desensitized brains, 16

Government developed pains Page

Pure Poppycock - A.J. Crate, Jr. Triple A Cards - James Bauhaus Senator Rivera and Congressman Coke showed me the cards of It‘s pure poppycock to claim freedom Out and about on the highway, you‘ll which they‘d spoke. while heaping laws atop the never guess what came my way. Sure enough, the writing was there: chopping block I found a long, black limo crashed in ―Bearer can do anything, It‘s pure poppycock to hail justice a ditch, and two fat politicians anytime, anywhere!‖ that‘s governed like a flimsy trying to hitch. I still had to ask, ―What‘ll be done, if wind-sock They wore pinkie rings and gold tie somehow, something in or on this It‘s pure poppycock to think tacks, alligator shoes and Italian truck gets sprung?‖ malefactors can be inverted using slacks. ―Son,‖ said one, ―You‘ll have the only a cage and lock Their eyes were glassy, their hands best truck they make! Just get to It‘s pure poppycock to decry this were shaking, who could guess the motorcade and back to our while inflating the dollar-value of what they‘d been taking? dates!‖ prison stock But I pulled my truck over and asked He whipped out a coupon book, It‘s pure poppycock and it won‘t ―How do?‖ They told me their saying, ―Try the big three!‖ change ‗til we stop expanding the story and it was nothing new. My free sample was a new Jeep down-time clock. They‘d been last in a limo-train, Cherokee! It‘s pure poppycock some will deny swerved to hit a skunk; that was I floored the Ford, fast as it‘d go. since this comes from a convict their bane Soon we were going a hundred or a.k.a. doc Their donut patrol had left them so. behind; their cellulars refused to Never once did they say ―Slow Baptized - Anwar Tapia go online. Down!‖ Their tongues flapped in Even their satellite uplinks to the the wind just like hounds. Born in Mexico Pentagon were on the fritz; We pounded on down for quite Land of corn: staple of the poor. This left them at the end of their wits, sometime; before very long we Empty bowels cryin‘ out for more. So there I was, with two major passed the state line. Baptized, in the murkey cold waters political cogs, told them,‖yeah, We screamed on by the police radar Of the Rio Grande rapids. sure. Hop in, back there with the light; the state trooper doper hogs.‖ chased us with all his might Living in the bleak shadows of Riding with hogs wasn‘t much to He couldn‘t catch up, so he called up America their liking: only one thing worse, ahead, they blew out our tires and Land of Abundance and that was hiking. we wound up dead. And obease stomachs. They climbed on in, glad for a ride til They posed with our corpses, like we Striving, searching, hugry they smelled that thing that were big-game kills. For the sweet American Pie. smelled like it had died. Their eyes and teeth gleamed in the We hadn‘t been rolling but a minute newscams, talking of politic work Instead we eat or two til one of them asked, thrills, Of the grapes of wrath ―This as fast as she‘ll do?‖ They primed the newsfolks with And toil all day I told them, ―This fifty-five law is things of import, stuffing them In sour low-pay Jobs. nobody‘s fun, especially while full of what to report. Then hunted down riding in the hot, broiling sun. My truck flipped four times, then And pushed back My 454, she can really run, if not wrapped around an oak. To our native corn-land. for the tickets, I‘d give her the ‗course no one survived except Empty bowels cryin‘ out again. gun!‖ Rivera and Coke. Re-baptized, in the murky cold ―But we‘re on an important No cameras caught them; at least, waters government mission!‖ none from the news. Of the Rio Grande rapids. ―Yeah! There‘s babes up ahead who They pulled their Triple A cards; need our kissing!‖ they‘d paid their dues! ―Now mash that go-pedal way down, hard! Don‘t worry at all, we

brought our Triple A cards!‖ ―No, they‘re not for citizens like you:

only for us, and maybe an 17

ambassador or two.‖ Page

Captive Audience - Charlie I never did, as I never hid from When Pigs Fly - A. Knight Harbert addressing what I‘m professing. The transgressions against the poor, Some pigs flew by my window Don‘t tell me about judicial system the ending of a war will not be En route to who-knows-where. And the White House massing some resolved, because it's etched in Some pigs flew by my window worthless bill. the core of their desire to Hate, I saw them right out there. I don‘t want to hear about the death Overtake, Rape, and facilitate a Some pigs flew by my window penalty new world order. You say you doubt my words. Or the next person they‘re about to Some say conspiracy theory, but I‘m Some pigs flew by my window kill weary and optimistic. With wings little birds. Don‘t ask if I‘m going to vote for Now statistics show that crime is Some pigs flew by my window A Republican or Democrat. down and educated offenders If only you had seen. No more about Sept. 11th recidivate, but it's getting late, Some pigs flew by my window Or the ongoing war in Iraq. why we gotta be here? I wonder where they‘ve been. Don‘t bother me about Israel and Now lets be clear, they profit off Some pigs flew by my window Palestine prisons, and profit off religion I‘ll bet you think I lie. Trying to kill each other whenever and there‘s gossip of decisions to Parole is fair in Texas they can. change things but the song the And little piggies fly. I don‘t want to hear about North insane sings is a different melody. Korea So you're telling me that we are free? Enamor - Reginald West Or nuclear reactors in Iran Forget about China and Russia An Attack On The King - William Afar, and beyond where the pale Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin H. Davis moon arises, Laden Midnight is slaved to its silent death. America has so many enemies An attack on the King‘s guard For thou hast come again… again and Who knows what‘s about to happen is an attack on the King, forever more has come. But who cares about this or the do you not trust His Highness? Transpiring before the elusive soul economy who would consider such a thing? quite humbled and much in And the millions of dollars being revive. spent, An attack on the King‘s words And where into dost hollowed eyes And just for the record so you will is an attack on the King, rest in dappling shadows of know who will stand and speak the truth? golden sun and gallant cries and I don‘t give a damn who‘s the next who will risk what it will bring? squawk the blue carpet horizon in president liberal song. An attack on the King‘s tax man This be my good fellas Social Justice - Starkim is an attack on the King, Where in valleys low, the valve dusk citizens must pay their due, cloaks purple mountains Police shot me in my face, back and it has a familiar ring… Steeps and the rivers stream quiets leg, trying to stop me from dying trickle the pebble sand flows all of old age. An attack on the King‘s puppet through the tick tock hours. Now my stage become my is an attack on the King, And where through the vast and environment, the community I see a thread there in the light, gloom dost black ravens take in hears of my persistence, but do I dare to cut the string? flighting trails whispers of such doesn‘t bear witness to my sweet rapture dance along the existence. An attack on the King‘s party knitted pine where fields of Little last as middle class. is an attack on the King, empty untilled inner entwines But a simple laugh becomes a frown he says his party must go on, fields of splendored green dibbled and I drown in simplicity, is there a way to stop his fling? in silvery dew. because my complex bomb threats of words are used, as a Must we relinquish our beliefs

fuse to ignite your views on and our rights to which we cling? racism, poverty, the state of our Do you question his authority?

economy. You have now attacked the King! 18

But honestly, I don‘t care. Page

Beautiful Fall - Rickey Pearson governments are allowed to ignore Thy wretched souls caught up in this their responsibilities. This wasn’t storm.‖ As a gentle wind caresses the sun- New Orleans, the inmates had no Grown men without futures cry out in kissed leaves choice in whether to leave or not. We fear. The birds nonchalantly flit here and were never told the final death count ―O‖ how in end-times we wretches there from malnutrition, being forced to doth care. Beautiful reds, oranges, golds, and drink sewer water and heat related When caught in such storms we see yellows… illnesses. Never put your trust in the Our own petty mortality. Colors so profound pervade the man before or after. Come at me ye Great God of man. autumn air. Collect thy bounty the Great ―I am.‖ I sat high watching the mightiest For I fear not man nor thy storm, The leaves rustle, whispering of days storm Fear I not the days that will or will to come An‘ you O‘ King upon your throne. not come. Enchanting those that walk below Spoke thou a word into this For after thy wrath I‘ll stand tall once Sunlight glints off the upturned hurricane, again foliage Givest thou Rita the Power of Pain. Dancing with Rita and riding her In harmony the leaves wave to and In every spark of her furious fingers. wind. fro. Tell-tale images of what doth linger, Though at times we may seem to be Beyond the stone and iron wall Dragonfly - William H. Davis Jr. caught up What still stood in the raging howl. In the mystery or the magic of it all Was there thunder beyond her Dragonfly, oh Dragonfly We‘ll always have a deep scream? I hear your beating wings appreciation Through the window the rain doth the pilot talk, radio squawk For the beauty known as fall. sting. and your turbines as it sings Concrete wall, a foot thick began Riding her Wind - Jackie R. Sollars buckling Dragonfly, oh Dragonfly Author’s note: The Stiles As if only the puppeteer‘s accordion. you come to rescue me, Prison Unit sits three miles from a For hours the world shook in her my life in doubt, by blood pours out ship channel, two feet below sea wrath. but you come to set me free level. Hurricane Rita’s storm surge Noted I remnants in each magnificent alone was 22 feet, the eye of the flash. Now I see you Dragonfly storm passed to the west only five The parapet roof breached by waves ―Medic, don‘t delay,‖ miles away as a category 3 on a finding escape. the needle stings, relief it brings depressive force to a category 2. The The seams in every wall washed and now we must be on our way. Texas Prison System had ignored an gave way. order by the State Governor to The cells filled as if a river being Dragonfly, oh Dragonfly evacuate two days before Rita. forged; take me from this flight, Instead, the Texas prison officials Under and around crashgates flowed with life a gift, I feel us lift gathered 4000 more inmates and this deluge, and start our homeward flight. stuck them on a unit with 3000 other Each tier a Great Water fall full of inmates. Then the prison staff walked life. Dragonfly, oh Dragonfly off. Two Great Falls, ten and twenty feet the stories I will tell, After Rita passed, there were high. the fire braved, the lives you saved very few fences around the prison The poor fools below scrambled for until the day you fell. that were left in tact. It took almost 2 higher ground. weeks to restore power. It took two Within this tomb, as in a ship were days for the staff to get food into the they thrown. prison. Unfortunately, most of the Waves washing their feet away. food and water along with other Suddenly the Fools did pray. government relief items were ―Pray ye cowards of nature‘s fury! gathered and kept by the Prison Cleanse thyself of every iniquity! Personnel. Prepare thyselves to meet the Maker

This poem is not to get o' Man. 19

sympathy. It is a warning at how our Page

Nexus - J. Wilson The Mighty Humble - Francisco J. Happy Halloween - Rickey Pearson Lopez Like a half-seen trail in a sunny Expecting a princess or pirate, I run forest, I stood on the sand and gazed out at to the door, candy bowl in hand Beneath a the mighty ocean. So powerful, But what greets me from my front Canopy of leaves, barely mysterious, an untamed rogue— porch seems from another land Traveled by, in light golden tinted that appeared arrogant! It‘s got big bulging eyes, and one green. As if in a trance, I held my breath ragged pointy ear Always twisting and turning, (hypnotized) unable to move as it And sitting on its ugly face is a nasty In some approached me, and just when I little sneer. Places rougher than others, was sure it would swallow me Its legs are short and stumpy, there is And never in sight an end, whole, I stared in awe as it bowed no neck that I can see For the trail always goes on, before me and kissed my feet! It‘s such a scary little creature that I Ever with Beside myself at this show of almost lose my pee! A new wonder around every bend humbleness from the mighty The thing is so short that to talk I waters, I felt the tears rushing to have to stoop In a minute, minute particle sting my eyes… And when it lets out a hearty growl, I Of time. …So I wept, I wept like a child almost lose my… you guessed it! and allowed my tears to mingle Such a horrid little creature, I stumble Never give up hope for a bright with the mighty sea, so that it to my feet tomorrow, would carry a tiny part of me in But before I turn to run inside, I hear See a its heart 'til eternity— his ―Trick or Treat‖ Faerie around every corner, As I shall never forget its humble He holds out a burlap sack, I thrown Not a monster in every shadow, filled kiss… in a piece or three With these dark, strange thoughts. And as he turns to leave, he tells me Sprout wings of gossamer and fly Adieu - Timothy Baker ―Happy Halloween‖! high enough To look Can you hear the bird's song Abused Woman - Jonathon Into the face of a god. Or their silence when something's Thompson Let your thoughts run deep wrong Like trees whom put down deep Can you smell the leaves of autumn When I first saw you roots, Before they're fallen and lie forgotten Your soul reeked of misery The smell of rain is heavy in the air And you were afraid to Until they reach the Rolling clouds block the sun's warm Open up and share with me. Abused Nexus of the dreamcatcher glare woman Dry and hot tomorrow again Color bleeds back into vision, What a wonderful summer this has Your heart was this cornered, tucked Slowly, as if the world been away coffin Would break around if not careful. Though the sun has stopped shining Hollowed with emptiness Freed from ice, set loose like And the moon has stopped rising Scared to let me in. Abused Woman A bird of the air, The flowers have stopped growing Time has been paid. They can never stop me from You denied the presence of life knowing So you ignored the out stretched hand The beauty far and beyond this place Stuck with the pain I close my eyes and a smile comes to That you can‘t have a better man. my face Abused Woman I can see you out there past the wall One day soon I will hear the raven's You live your life like a puzzle call And it‘s a challenge to your emotions And as much as they try there is Knowing you deserve better

nothing that they can do Your pain runs deep like the oceans, When I bid my last adieu Abused Woman

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Please smile and let sunlight into Only the lonely can live with the Coastline - John E. Christ your dark space pain, You‘re the purest vision of the future while only the lonely hide their tears Sibilant suppuration, roiling water So wipe the tears from your face, a in the rain. Waves lapping the bosom of Mother loved woman Earth Only the lonely need this drug, Moonbeams caressing, wind and sand I understand and appreciate you Only the lonely knows what it does, Palms swaying in lissome rhyme So I hold you dear And only the lonely know that it‘s And remember that you are stronger love. We walk hand in hand along the edge Than your biggest fear! You‘re not Fingers of Poseidon tickling our toes alone. Back - Ross Bonilla Stars witness our march exposed We are alone with ancient gods To My Woman - Reginald West "Why do you turn your back to me?" She queried in the darkness. Nature‘s urge draws us close, naked After awhile you learn the subtle I felt her hands trembling at my Onto the beach where life climbed difference between holding a spine. out hand and chaining a soul, and you How do I explain to her? It‘s not out We spread ourselves in each other‘s learn that love doesn‘t mean of disgust, nor lack of love. arms leaning, and company doesn‘t Could she ever understand a child‘s I smell the pungent musk of labial always mean security. insanity? heat And you begin to learn that kisses "Because I trust you," I muttered aren‘t contracts, and presents slowly trying to fall in sleep's She draws me close, pressing lips to aren‘t promises, and you begin to womb. mine accept your defeats with your "When I was a child I slept with my Eternity engulfs our rising passion head up and your eyes ahead with back to a wall. But now I have I join in anatomical bliss, coupled grace of a woman, not the grief of you, In ever urgent spasms of ecstasy a child, and you learn to build all Trust and love you. I am safe with your roads on today because you. You are my wall. Can you Sighing heavily, the cycle spins tomorrow's ground isn't too understand this?" forever certain for plans and futures have I mumbled as I reached for her hand. a way of falling down mid-flight. "No,‖ she rolled over her back. Yours - Starkim After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too The Patchman - Ross Bonilla Your words drip from your lips, I can much, so you plant your own taste your moisture, your garden and decorate your own I‘ve taped my soul together again. aura…As I step into the clearest soul instead of waiting for I‘ve lost count of these shattering water, your wet wisdom forces someone to bring you flowers. horrors that crush me. me to listen to every syllable And you learn that you really can So I sit here slowly and delicately, pronounced. endure, you really are strong, you like a watch maker, piecing my Your mouth curves at the entrance, really do have have worth, and soul together. the air feels warmer than before, you learn, and you learn with The brittle pieces slip easily into my eyes saw your core I can feel every goodbye, you learn. place. you breathe in my dreams and it Well rounded corners, discolored seems as if you're more. Only The Lonely - Robbie D. patches You fill me as I‘m enriched with your Thomas Like yellowed tape, in places where kisses, feelings mingle causing Pieces have been eternally Lost. tingling sensations bathing in Only the lonely can know what I feel, Its original shape convoluted and your love, waiting for what was and only the lonely can know that it‘s Unrecognizable to the innocent boy and is because the Wiz changed real. to whom it was trusted to. my brain giving me the courage So I pick my patchwork, my ragdoll to share my heart.

Only the lonely have lived my life, of a soul and crush it gently to my So nothing can tear us apart, there‘s so only the lonely have fought my Chest and cry again no place like your heaven, the

fight. And again. warmth, the scent, I‘m content. 21

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A Song And A Thought - M.A. Follow, follow the Piper calls Untitled - Charles Strickland Glaros But who will catch you as you fall? No one shall for no one can I long to express emotions which are "… star dust woman …" For no one even gives a damn. hidden deep inside, piecing stolen rays of light you've found the way to secure illuminated Promises - Jimmy White my love yet my heart still tries to slanting columns of spiraling dust hide. I walk shackled … thinking Walking along this well beaten path, To change is my agenda but hurt is How many breathed this very dust It seems so many times I have taken all I know, "… did she make you cry, make you this track. I need to release the frustration breakdown Past bushes and trees, that have no but it has nowhere to go. shatter your illusions of love …" meaning, So loneliness enslaves me, solitude my steps echo a constant tempo While inside my heart is bleeding. my cage, shadow casting on chipped gray Every bush is a promise that was though I've shed a million tears, bars meant to be broken, nothing quells the rage. I follow the dust, the ever present And every tree, is a lie that should It's with paper as my companion and dust not have been spoken. ink my one true friend, "… it's over now, do you know how So many paths but they all end the I reveal to you emotions that love to pick up pieces same, has stirred within! and go on …" With never ending dreams and a heart laying motionless the night fades full of pain. The Romantic Herb - Johnny as the dust settles over me Everywhere I look I see my hope Angel Martinez blanketing me as I choose fade away, to go on … or submit With another bush and a tree to stand In a day and age, where no one sets to the dust in my way. the stage. To incite in one, the Will I ever find true love in this path warmth of an illuminating sun. A “With skin sewn closed I stand that I've chosen? romantic kind of love, back” - Unknown Or more promises full of lies, and a commanding the stars above. To heart that was meant to be shine and dance entering the With skin sewn closed I stand back broken. . . spirit in a forbidden romance. In Exhale relief all has gone well this trance, from the glance of Now the waiting begins Until You Took the Time - Timothy your soul, fulfilling my every She has to come to me well, I have Baker role. made her sick My every desire and need, your I must hold up my hand Like a cool summer breeze intoxicating spirit mirrors my Until she can smile painlessly again Your words soothe a part of me own, yes indeed. You are the Transformed by what my hands have That I almost forgot was there hero of something nearly extinct, done Until you took the time to care and to the edge you bring every Too true, Paracelsus said As beautiful as the rising sun emotion to the brink. Aim, to "I cut, God heals." You brighten my world like no one every great passion, and to it, Has ever done you, yes you, my ideas you “Fooled kisses, forgotten wishes” - Chasing away the shadows hiding fashion. Brian Joseph Wake there When I just thought all was lost, over Just because you took the time to care the deepest seas you have Fooled kisses, forgotten wishes Wondrous as the star filled sky crossed. Beckoned to my calls Memory serves as pain I gave into your lovely blue eyes defying for me all laws, of space Because forever shall end tomorrow Lost in a place free from despair and time, in my soul it is you I And love shall be profane Since you took the Time to care find. My spirit cries for you tears Like a rolling moon lit sea of joy and exquisite pain, and for Wilted flowers, wilted lives I feel your spirit surround me a lost romance found you are to

No more are your alibis I close my eyes and I feel you there blame. When I fall, you fall, only Left behind outside your stare Thank you for taking the time to care to pick me up, all at the same

Amongst dark strangers who do not time this romance has erupted. 22

care Page

Spewing forth leading down a fiery In the beginning God said, ―Let there I Am Free! - Ryan Barber course of inflamed desire, these be grass and seeds for fruit trees,‖ foreign feelings I shall never tire. Then in spite brought forth a different Day by day, Night by night You are my hero in a time grass that harms my community I can Lose myself from watchful romance is distanced. Making But who am I to ask God about the sight love to it while others wince to grass or its seeds? I travel far and I travel wide chivalry's pain. My soul you My judgement stayed cloudy from the air of freedom I must glide have forever stained with the the smoke of the strange weeds No thoughts of burdens, no thoughts sweet drops of your romantic of strife rain. Yes, it is so refreshing. In the beginning God made stars to I soar around the Tree of Life. Always keeping me on my toes, bring light to the dark Asgard in the distance my heart guessing what's next. As I stand So I smile because I was thought of swells madly in awe, forever bound by your from the very start To enter those gates I would do so romantic hex. Knowing that I was on God‘s mind in gladly the beginning when he first made To sit next to Odin or fly next to Thor In the Beginning - Jonathan seasons In this Life I ask for nothing more. Thompson Tells me that I was part of the plan to My Praise to the Gods and the In memory of my mother uplift myself from the Demons Godesses so true Anner Lee Thompson If you weren‘t in my Life I‘d be 11-19-50 – R.I.P. 1950 – 2001 “My feelings and thoughts are evil nothing to you and fiery” - Jeremy Biddle I hope that you see the Kindred Fire In the beginning God said, ―Let there in me be light,‖ then he punished me My feelings and thoughts are evil and Without you in my Life I would He said my life would be full of fiery never be free. drama, surrounded by death and I‘m afraid to express them, they So hail to the Gods that give their the penitentiary might ignite me Values, Plagued with a disease to be the I feel like Satan has me in a choke for Courage and Honor your darkness and bring harm to others hold lessons I use. So I disrespected my father and Lord, here is my hand please take And Hail to the Goddesses that taught turned a deaf ear to my mother ahold me Respect. Lord, pull me out of this black hole Love and Passion of Life I gladly From the start I was put here to be a Just like the scriptures foretold, I except. nobody turned away now demons possess So until the Valkyries come to But I‘m built with fire in my heart, I my soul retrieve me came here a somebody I‘m about to have a breakdown, I‘m I travel the worlds of my faith and am From the beginning I was told I was losing control FREE!! worth nothing I‘m in a battle with Satan, it‘s But with my head held high, I turned spiritual warfare Alive Like Me - Kenneth Woodard my nothing into something I‘m reaching and does anyone care Lord, are you going to help me or are O let me hold you old tree In the Beginning God said, ―Let there you just going to sit there and Let others look at me like I am crazy be an arch to divide heaven and stare Yet they have eyes and just don‘t water.‖ Even in my dreams the demons are see Then dropped me off in the desert— there You are alive just like me lifeless place where I turned Get behind me, Satan, there is no Reaching up holy limbs giving darker room for you here praise to Allah So they called me black meaning I Dear Lord Jesus, I need you, you‘re You house and shelter the birds in was hostile and stained, the only cure your branches And I‘m treated as such. That‘s why Without you these demons are going Obeying all Allah Commands I‘m filled with hate and pain to drag my soul to Hell for sure O while taking Shade under your

embrace As a reminder we all should

remember Allah‘s grace. 23

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Sonnet - Dana Crawford God of War - Thomas Cannup Lessons - A.J. Crate, Jr.

From the dim region whence my God of War Like you, I grew up doing most suffering comes Pick up your sword anything I wanted my soul, ensnared in body, flows And fight with me today. Even when family and friends from same became dubious or daunted How often do I hurt, without visible Pick up your gun Physical harms now hurt like those in signs In rain or in the sun my mind and it‘s jaunted Dwelling in darkness, searching to Beside me all the way Sometimes it‘s alright at others to get alleviate… foggy and haunted This suffering which the world holds When I lay me down to sleep me in fee And the enemy begins to creep Even still I do my best to stay Patronizing and worsening my fate He'll find that one eye is open. focused doing what‘s right the hurt I do not feel physically, Sometimes ‗cepted like when my Some vital thing goes on inside of me My mind is ready mind battles giving me fight Unreleasing, relishing in me, I am My heart beat steady I see and hear phantoms attacking lost My spirit cannot be broken. from darkness and light While so many times to God I bow I duck, punch, and run still they find and bend my knee God of War me and inflict great plight Upon the stage in which I am the Clean your sword. best; And bless the blood we shed. So I try over and often to keep on For every man was born to heal of truckin‘ like ya‘ll would physical pain Remember this day It gets very tiring though like my But the subliminal hurt we all Forever this may mind‘s out choppin' wood somehow retain. And pray for the men who were slain. Few days I‘m elated when all is well and things are good Merchants of Hope - Jackey Sollars Possession - Gary Gregory But on most I get miffed cause it Is bad or not as it should A voice that sways into action, If sin is Satan's cords by which the A God rising in days of despair. soul lies bound Some folk just don‘t get it they think E-ver mis-leading the foolish on, A slave to his own corruption— you act as you‘ve been taught empty the promises or reasons to Wherein lies salvation but in I know that ain‘t true else victims care. severance of servitude? behind would number naught Wondering in their own never-never There dwelt a devil simmering over Yet I‘ll not lay it down now see over land. brimstone all I‘ve always fought Seeking those things that can‘t be Biding his time One new help I‘m learning to ply found. Waiting 'til good conscience was love n truth as I ought The weakness of simple silly nave blown man. And he could enter the mind Oh life has its rules which ain‘t The whispers heard where he is Unknown, or disguised as disorder or always writ‘ just ask some crooks down. disease Ain‘t no harder followin those in the From Tragedy to tribulation we doth Then another atrocity was sown tomes of two books trek, Another soul damned to be in Mustard-grain-size faith is needed Rainbows, like storms, come and accordance on its knees you can‘t see it by looks go. A wailer in hell like he It shows out by whose laws you keep Hope is the lie that lights our path. And on and on it goes and prayin by the nooks The final resolution of desperate As long as the dragon smote the Now I pray all to seek truth n love to souls souls, soar high like birds Weak is man in his every thought Stokes the fire, stirs the cauldron Cause when we don‘t we stink yep A slave beat on by his loving God Give us all a sword to fall on you guessed it just as fresh turds

I hope these runes feed all well like mackin biscuits and curds

Here follows lesson and trysts with 24

justice the old j word Page

Sittin here for a foggy crime doin Fuck, man, another soldier just fell Never feeling loved, never feeling time some justice Well, what‘s left of him brave, I let the loneliness inside And I‘ll get leave whens-day say so And you have the audacity to tell me me become defeat. the state‘s form of just- is That life has, oh, ―real heartfelt Life is passing me by never giving My God Yahweh will know when meaning?‖ me the chance to redeem because I‘ve atoned enough for just-as Well, let me introduce you to the world only cares to see the I pray I‘m changed in the twinklin‘ something path of a broken boy. worth of his just-us Look over there—LOOK! He‘s not The world is stuck in my yesterday, moving never looking to see my “Carriage over dawn” - Doc DEAD! Tell that man about your tomorrow. emotions and feelings Always those around me seem coy to Carriage over dawn, show their feeling of sorrow for a lemon stars majestic view, There‘s a man running—he has but boy who may never have their never dreams alone. one arm tomorrow. From the stump his life‘s blood is Greed fills their eyes. Forgetting Vapor Trails - Patricia Barker and gushing those in need and refusing to hear Kenneth Humphries He falls, too, in this field of the dead a broken boy‘s cries. Author’s Note—This poem is There‘s no way of getting it out of Too caught up in pride and a co-operative effort between my my head embarrassed to do me a good mom and I. She sent me a real good Echoing screams (MEDIC!) deed for fear of retribution and sketch of the poem and asked me to insanity's madness criticism from the rest of the help her with it—to co-write it with In each man‘s face an emptying world her. So I did. This is not the first one sadness we have co-wrote. We have three As dismembered humanity attacks us Assassins - Bobby Biffel others and all are real good work. Marines This poem was written for her fiancé But we dig-in, build foxholes, keep The syncopating sound of the drums who spent three tours in Vietnam as a semper fi-ing melded smoothly marine sniper. He also contributed a Do our best to keep breathing, not With the soothing tone the old jazz lot to the poem. I picked his brain dying player from Ancient Earth very delicately and with a lot of ‗Cause a soldier fights for freedom Coaxed from his saxophone respect. He’s also one of my best It‘s how we make our living Just as the blue and gray smoke friends. He loved the poem and was Where blood and bombs are the norm From cigars and pipes very touched by it. And making peace by way of killing Intertwined exotically with the Becomes just another job we‘re paid patrons filling the tables of the Heaven and Hell are upside down! to be doing Wet Dragon saloon As men lie dying on the godless ground Napalm, flashing in the jungle at While most of the men supporting the The sky is on fire—Death‘s angels in night two man band were regulars, flight A man has to stand and fight Drunkards and gamblers mostly, As tracer rounds and vapor trails Never will I forget that smell This night there was in attendance a Perpetually fill the mirrored I know the smell is the same in Hell special group of steroid men and nightmare sky mineral spectators (They were written by Puff the Magic Broken Boy - Reginald West Dragon After hearing the two men pour their And screaming phantoms as they fly) As a broken boy I go through life heart and soul into their music Yeah, red smoke brought ‗em in this with only myself to please. I The prosperous men from the time wake each morning just to see Kuniper were convinced to And we‘re all glad to see them how lonely my life is, cause the propose the offer We don‘t pray to them (instead of world has turned a blind eye to They would make those musicians God) for no reason me. rich.

Wishing every day for the friendship I crave, but always getting pushed

away by those I meet. 25 Page

If only the Corporate men knew how Into the sacrificial room I come Quagmire dreams, life sucking things true their words rang Arms outstretched, up in supplication Follow you into the day For the jazz men did pour their heart I am draped with the robes of my Quagmire dreams, life sucking things and soul into their music office Nothing can keep them at bay. They knew that this would be their The victim I know well last set, She knows no fear, she smiles Night Sky - Rick Pearson They knew the assassins were I nod, my eyes smile back waiting for the saloon to close. She is offering herself to me Amid the long dew dropping hours of night Ode To Karla Faye - William H. Asleep, I dress her in dignity I turn my eyes heavenward, to the Davis, Jr. Lights adjusted, assistants at hand stars above I plan my well-known ritual twinkling, pulsing, bending down to Your awesome bloody rampage A knife finds my palm, I hesitate grasp my hand your guilt Karla, The human beneath my hand is mine on the wings of darkness I rise to the can not be denied To use as I deem fit skies you confessed your bloody crime I am mortal just like she The mirrored orb shines, penetrating and by your peers were justly tried She worships me as much as I to my soul worship her. when I look within, I‘m surprised to You turned your rage see myself reflected, on all the world Blood comes from where I have cut but I wonder does it see itself for the life of you were denied, She does not flinch nor complain reflected back in me? then at the end you turned to Christ A chill courses my spine all-encompassing effulgence, the for in Him you could confide The hairs rise on my arms gleaming glow, the tender I am thrilled beyond my ecstasy tendrils And so our governor made his speech I handle her flesh with awe the trails of stardust moving he took this all in stride, I have the power of life and death gracefully through a darkened sky "God bless you Karla, I am humbled at the privilege. unaware, unwary, free to float, to God bless us all, drift but your stay has been denied"… Quagmire Dreams - Gerald B upon solar winds of destiny, and Prisock memories of yesterday astral bodies silently collide, black The Surgeon and the Patient - John Quagmire dreams, life sucking things holes yawn E. Christ Tearing the soul asunder and Ursa Major dips her head… Quagmire dreams, life sucking things I rejoice in the beauty of the night I have needs that only you can Roaring through the night like as it silently inspires love, lust, provide thunder murder— I come to you in unquestioning trust and me. I have faith in your judgment Quagmire dreams, life sucking things The moon high above, sweeping I know you are the right person Chilling you to the bone through the air I see it in the sparkle of your eyes Quagmire dreams, life sucking things like a silver moth in flight it shines, I feel it in the press of your hands They never leave you alone glimmers, caresses— I worship you. star-filled skies, star-filled eyes, and Quagmire dreams, life sucking things starved for lies— On the altar in the house of God Into your psyche they creep smoothing the fears of a dying nation. I rest with my arms outstretched Quagmire dreams, life sucking things Cold saline runs into my hand, up my Out of our skin you‘ll leap arm Drugs cloud my senses Quagmire dreams, life sucking things I float in a pleasant haze Into the dawn‘s early gleaming The priest at my hand rubs my cheek Quagmire dreams, life sucking things

I exhale slowly WAKE UP! Terrified! Screaming! I know darkness is soon to come

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“Hollow laughter in stone Darkness Dwelling - Gary Gregory Mail Time - Paul Smith courtyard” - Brian Joseph Wake We linger in shadows—longing for I‘m going to take a nap the night's velvet cover I start to dream of a box in a secret Hollow laughter in stone courtyard Murmurers in mist, masked and wrap, Where your pale roses grow mercurial in moonlight I‘ve never received mailed letters Within the shadow of the church We find solace in its cloak and wrap sealed by a flap. Where maddened screams echo ourselves under Enchanted and solemn in the In house mail is good In alcove deep your idol stands magickal dead night But I need mail from the outside A fragment of my mind We bathe in the rain and welcome the hood, But ivy covers outstretched hands thunder But by only my family‘s absence may And pitted eyes are blind. Absorbing the tears of lost myth need to be understood. We bask in the gloaming and the gray The nightbirds sing in dissonance Dreaming of gargoyles flying through I‘m awaiting the next mail day, Within my blackened soul woodland smoke Hopefully some love will come my As I regard the illusions of The light just reveals our stains way, The still night's darker fold The light just reveals marks of shame Until then I will wish and pray. Our hardening spire – what took so Forgotten face now comes to me long to hide I am at my gate waiting for a letter A winter wind in spring The light just reveals my weary eyes, off the cart, Not of what my eyes would see cold and cautious The noise is moving like a paintbrush But some dead, abandoned thing Cruel and nauseous at the ugly making some art transparency I should be good because I said write Of death and love I know much of The light just reveals cracks in my back and that is the most Apparitions of what shall be disguise important part. As candles flicker 'pon the corpse The light just reveals the humanity in Of my sanity my eyes A Silly Poem to Pass the Time - So in darkness dwelling I stay behind James Lee Beasley So look now they with hooded eyes – So in darkness dwelling I stay blind My heart is vespertine; In darkness dwelling I've lost my Please forgive if it rhymes For within this man scream tortured mind I like to eat Pecan Pies cries In somewhere dark I can't find Let my mind wander And murm'rings serpentine Through the skies, Night Comes - Peter Stebbins I have no fear of belief in Death And looking up, my eyes do see I try to enjoy every Breath The eyes of ravens mocking Clouds behind the mountains Please forgive me for my silly For in their glassy midnight stare repeat the mountains' lines. rhymes, On my knees I'm falling I was just trying to pass the times Clouds above the mountains float For within the silence of the stone visibly pulling “Kaleidescope colors” - Gerald B. The vesper bell death ring more clouds from behind. Prisock And as my eyes close to this scene My murdered angel sings The day is ending. Kaleidescope colors Two clouds remain, pass, and fade; iridescent humming birds all become one. sparkling morning sights

27 Page

A Letter - Darrell ―We love you, miss you, pray you'll 911 - Timothy Baker be free‖ You can never know what a letter can A treasure-filled envelope just for The sun has set on the life I lead mean me. The dreams I had lie cold and dead Until you‘ve been where I‘ve been Please bring memories of joy I once This ball and chain I am forced to and seen what I‘ve seen knew. wear I‘m in a place behind concrete walls Family, friends and things I would Made me realize life just isn't fair Where nobody visits and nobody do. The Gods that be have decreed my calls The darkness and pain of my cell will fate Every day and every night is a living prevail as my name, again, was I have only myself that I can truly hell not called for mail. . . . hate So I keep myself confined to my little At my head no gut was pointed when cell The Picture of the Poet in Prison - I made my choice All my dreams are filled with my Unknown I only wish I would have listened to greatest fears that little voice Only to wake up and find I'm still The poet, sick, and with chest half Behind these lonely steel bars I am here bare sure The only time I come out is for mail Tramples his manuscript in his dark Is a reason to keep living for each day stall, Though the path I walk looks dark But when they get to me, ―nothing for Gazing with terror at the yawning and bleak you,‖ they say stair I know I can make it for I am far With my head hung low, I head back Down which his spirit must finally from weak to my cell fall Sometimes I pray for the Gods to Because once again I was not called send for mail Intoxicating laughs which fill his A few special people I can call A simple letter of encouragement, a prison friends letter of love Invite him to the strange and absurd For even though I can stand on my So please take a few minutes to write With ugly shapes around him have own two feet a small letter arisen To have a couple of friends would be It may seem nothing to you but it will Both doubt and terror, multiform and kind of neat make me feel better blurred I like to read books now and then To know someone cared to take time They take me to the places that I out of their day This genius cooped in an unhealthy could have been To sit down and write a note and send hovel But what I like to do is late at night it my way Those cries, grimaces, ghosts that When all is quiet I'll sit down and You can never know what a letter can squirm and grovel write mean Whirling around him, mocking as Letter or poems it really doesn't Until you‘ve been where I‘ve been they call matter And seen what I‘ve seen For it's the emotional release that I This dreamer whom these horrors am after Mail Call - Sadd-Boy rouse with screams, So if you think you can find the time They are your emblem, soul of misty Please sit down and drop me a few Dealing with Darkness as loneliness dreams, lines fills my cell, Round whom the real erects its Because there is nothing that makes With pain and fear too great to yell. stifling wall. me feel better I wait for the mailman to deliver as I Than from a friend I'll receive a wipe away tears that no one will letter. see. I long to gaze upon pages so dear with riches to bring my loved

ones near. Words of diamonds on pages of gold,

a message from heaven as their 28

story is told. . Page

A Play on Words - David Freestone Dead Poem - George Hamilton

These are but scraps of written Feeling down and dirty, pushing life expression—from pages of a few; to the limit, Meanings vary with locution—which Stepping outside myself, counting may be strange—not new. seconds. Their comprehension—without I‘ve become a stranger to myself in form—would be difficult indeed; minutes. Yet words are signs of our ideas and In all those critical ticks of the second often not in need. hand, I‘ve altered myself. We long for symbols excelling all Trying to hang tough as I search for a others, lost part of me. And perfect syllabication; Everyone doubts my ability, but I For without parts, and parse, and know I‘ll conquer time. mood, there can be no Floating aimlessly, sailing the seven punctuation! seas of my inner sanctum, With that in mind, I‘ll end this verse, I stop short, my pen held in limbo as I yet not with an apology, realize that I was never lost, only But with ―ado!‖ a noun of course, misplaced. bursting with phonology. I try to continue, my thoughts stutter as my pen is still – hovering over What is Poetry? - Johntrwell the blank page. Johnson What was supposed to me the landscape of my expression. What is poetry? Poetry is me. In my I wait, but nothing comes to the front, true essence a has my poetry died, leaving me Being of 360 knowledge; knowledge without a voice? of pleasure and pain, knowledge Am I going to have to dig in the of dictionary for words to kick-start Love as well as hate; Every poet my thoughts, should know their place, Or choke myself to death on a Because poetry can make one smile thesaurus to fond the words that and another cry; poetry is an I‘ve already allowed to escape. universal language used by every My mind has become blank as the nationality in many different page my pen hovers above. forms, some poetry is used to life I must ponder my dilemma before all an ill-hearted spirit; is lost. Some poetry is used to express love, My expression is necessary; words thanks, and are the safest way to express the Some is used to simply express an darkness within. individual‘s emotions Unfortunately, words have So I‘ll ask again, what is poetry? abandoned me, leaving my poem Poetry is dead, its life lost. Me, you, and everyone around us May it rest in peace… because everyone contributes to Poetry one way or another through our emotions; Everyone‘s emotions inspires an individual to write a poem about Love, pain, life, thanks, mistakes, and

sorrows How would we all be if there were no

such thing as poetry? 29

Page

From the Poetry Workshop... Tired of Being Here - Uri Small, Tilted World - Gary Gilbert Sr. Livin’ Is Hell… - Dana Crawford Talking heads delight in convolution To give sixty years of noisy slammer Into chains your brains they wish to There‘s a basin in my mind With glee as through you had no remand. Where thoughts float untouched and shame Every fourth year they have the unbound. Sitting high above me with your solution— Why has cancer chosen her, for its hammer The other three their heads are in the shrine! Firm in showing me bad part game sand. Pilferin‘ from her life, leavin‘ her Punished what mother could not tame Despite the sinking ship, on played unwound. As though your choice was best the band. Chemo regresses, only to again be Now I sit with Malcolm's flame Celluloid realities we are shown, founded. But all I want is rest Mass-produced fantasy makes life Still, spirit runs threw her like ah less bland. river threw a dale. Lower people feel as though their A Crazy, Tilted world we have Loss of pound, she fights back pound glamour known. for pound. Yields increase when spotted me Would you agree… Livin‘ is Hell?! lame Spoken words of change and Danced as though they were Pro- revolution, Far and between, the second jammers A house asunder surely can‘t ever behind— When rule I broke was same stand. Minute and hour, and for she fear Bold words I spoke rebel in name Evolving into de-evolution— countin‘ them down. Exhaust in mind from eating moss Beyond absurd, we must seek to fly, Her demise unknown, though she‘s Feeling in fight til nightfall came Past despair and vice gotten out of slowly dyin‘, But all I want is rest hand. So I touch thought and bring it We must partake in the seeds we inbound. Am I alright she asked with clamour have sown, Uneffected by sight or sound, nice When all I wanted was Silence fame Fighting to feed rapacious demand. and surely profound. Speaking in my head to damn her A Crazy, Tilted world we have Oftimes unwell, hopin‘ to be heard, if For being a ground where Men stake known. only a spell, claim She fights not to be taken outbound. Me flirting in Hell is her aim Discontent rampant, joy, confusion, Would you agree… Livin‘ is Hell?! Get a life is what I suggest When lives of your neighbors appear Or in ten years your career'll be maim so grand. Through her quest, I pray for But all I want is rest Behind their own eyes this is an triumph, illusion— With every shot missed, she strives Prince, may wife a lawyer's dame Also trying their best to understand for rebounds… And purchase liberty with treasures If it is possible to counterdemand, Severely in pain, sometimes still she of chest The opportunities hastily blown. climbs, Til the day, I'll have stressed frame Wasted in desire and contraband. Refusin‘ to be moved without holdin‘ But all I want is rest A Crazy, Tilted world we have her ground. known. Better than most, worse than some, he life‘s confound. Prince, you are selling but there‘s no I tell no tale, she‘s dyin‘ to get well, demand. Through smile and frown, quite Like birds on the wing your chances astound. flown— Would you agree… Livin‘ is Hell?! Each a means to a end, our tactics underhand. Life lost only to be refound, A Crazy, Tilted world we have

Thoughts swell, as thoughts hail. known. But still, she stands upon her mound.

Would you agree… Livin‘ is Hell?! 30

Page

To Go Further Than Far - Bobby Mars and moons of Saturn then Captive Bedrooms' Prisoner - Uri Biffel distant stars. Small, Sr. Planets exotic much further than far. Throughout our lives there's one Of wonders and dangers forward we Anger rejoices as Illusions good place to go go While she being bruised travels in When troubles arise, there's no place Exploring the new, the as yet fear like home unknown, From doom to Living Room they Exploring the new, the as yet To learn, to live, to fill our souls with both are at unknown all. To call 911 she wouldn't dare The deepest seas, all land under the A dim memory now, Earth our old Through rivers of blood and false stars home. love she doesn't speak The caves and caverns and all Of dreams and pardon's weak she mountains far To these brave men and women, what cries to God A stirring, a longing, to know it all. is home When worlds spread before you in One will't change the truth is her kind Fueled by that drive, that need to the stars? of God know it all They pioneer new places for us all To see Hate as man of peace is her When Earth's been a'searched Besides, Earth is now much further vision of Good wherever we go than far. 'Stop It' is the wet and vain voice of We'll need to travel further a'far. Blue trees, deep yellow seas, is all her speak Leave Earth behind, our ancestral they've known Both hands covering eyes that are home. Since that day they decided they filled with fear For we will travel among the stars would go. Though somewhere inside to stand up And there will lie the as yet unknown The Earth is home for those who do is dare not go While some suns, black holes and Across the sea of stars, the great Kitchen littered with flying fist and planets are known unknown broken glass is at In small bits of info, no where at all, To planets far they'll never love at all. For who can know the secrets of the In her home walls, one sided brawls stars? A Path to the Doorway of a all at No mere human will until he will go. Mountain - Leroy “Doc” Floyd Self-ignored in the heart still resides But forget the Earth and all thoughts her God of home What of all I've seen Mind telling her ―Exit‖ yelled the For you will be traveling further than a multifaceted eye dare far cries the blue world grey Applied not response made its Wheels revolving wheels unknown good The moon is first, it's not really that sleep and reincarnation Drowning now in her self-imposed far. made as little stars flood of fear We've visited once and it is known. Alight thru nothing For only Act can save, spent is all A familiar place, we might call it magnanimous yet common words speak home. never forgotten Move in, colonize, a new place for A feeling quiet Soaking energy thrown off madness all. spontaneously karma speak Some and Sci-Fi writers will surely lend a helping hand Moments ceased the clashing Fury go pebbles in chaos storms at For in their hearts pulse the beating indecision embedded The roof smoking, Death closing in is of stars. hunters in the rain the fear there beginning ends Questioning all things pre-ordained halls of mirrors undefined by God erasing back to blue Last call for hurting possibility of the

good No more drama by Mary J, is it truth

or dare 31

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Forever spy on mad Mirror's own for For hobby, and just because he loves And you can dance to the rhythm the dare to reign highway hums 'cause the lost Respecting Laws of Honor demand In the Blond‘s applause while Losers don't miss a beat live and speak moan Or pound every alley on the Rand Leaving Wrath first sign he intend'd With Head Almighty and Legs that‘s McNally till you really find your no good Mean street Time is of the NOW! only promise The black-top of a wasted Jerusalem be at Learn‘t profit skill since age sixteen Perusing the bricks of confidence in Helping those who help themselves is Watched Wayne and Wayne, every hardened fence the agreement of God somehow became Clone Waiting with a patient thumb On a positive night, negative sounds Attention Folks, there goes the Green As the patrons f the interstate not of fear With Head Almighty and Legs that‘s come. Mean Fool's Love dependence birthed live- Ripples - Gary Gilbert in fear Snow in Babylon - Gary Gilbert What momma said was yellow but Living life for the moment, she had to dare It snowed in Babylon today. impatient for a future I may not Inner-Spirit intervened became The white pure only in fiction, know, reality God Amid the flaked red Mars held sway. cannot know, yet I am not done. Knowing that some something, just I refuse to be done! ain't right speak Kisses of winter can't belay The accumulated sorrow stings but Dug up her will power from under The strains of bellicose diction. strengthens my resolve. Dirt's at It snowed in Babylon today. When I turn from life then I have Captive Bedroom's Prison released quit. pain for good Glittering silence won't relay I am alive and I am fighting. The frustration and confliction. Hanging on the verge of what others Gray and cold fear cement lips that Amid the flaked red Mars held sway. call middle age. speak I have nothing to show but who is Otherwise acts of dare was boldness Smiling faces do not portray, looking? at Joy over their own eviction. Does it really matter what they see? When known Blessed by God is all It snowed in Babylon today. I am going to push on regardless, and good because through the bitterness I find No angel could ever convey hope. The Green Dweller - Uri Small, Sr. The reason for our devision. I spy hope through the trees of a Amid the flaked red Mars held sway. ancient forest. Attention Folks, there goes the Green If I struggle and strive for who I am, Luxor dweller in desert room Eternally our hearts dismay, casting my stones into a still pond, With Head Almighty and Legs that‘s Locked in abysmal attrition. the ripples will soon reach the shore. Mean It snowed in Babylon today. Watching them grow outward and Amid the flaked red Mars held sway. outward. Armani suits signify he‘s clean What I am is spreading the same way, And represented by loud chips tone Derelict Footsteps - Leroy “Doc” larger, larger, larger; kissing the Attention Folks, there goes the Green Floyd shore of my destination.

Bently and Benz, he was seen Graffiti lines these blackened “Fleeing thoughts captured” - Walked by valet to full Rib-eye‘s streets...its one great stretch of Gerald B. Prisock Bone road With Head Almighty and Legs that‘s Confessions and memorials as far as Fleeing thoughts captured Mean the eye can see Placed in random prickly piles there's stalled out hopes and dreams, Untouched before dawn

All year long you‘ll see him feign but the shoulder holds our trust Not one used credit, never markers See it if you must!

long So arrant for such who've missed the 32

Attention Folks, there goes the Green bus. Page

No Bush, No Sea - Uri Small, Sr. My ol‘ tree and the birds… God and Goddess Walk - Uri He won‘t quiet them, Small, Sr. Excuse my slander of Commander in Jus‘ enjoy the cadence of their words. his determination God walking to path, in tight muscles To prefer 50 stations to gather behind "Oneday I went to visit my ol‘ tree… with- him With a tear in my eye, serene vegan laughs. But slim is the chance that the people I explained how I was in love so The Goddess sober, minded walk to will be romanced crazily." join and- Into trading rich land for Energy offer what love has Even though their choice of voice And to my surprise my ol‘ tree God now suspect of, Spring Growth calls push for sacrifice responded, begins to- They see decay of Coastline as not And he told me, check parts of each send nice "Set awhile and let me tell you More drawing form Goddess, through They All, especially by undue Cause. ‘bout… to shine faith- Even pausing in blame thinking the birds and the bees!" pictures mental in Voice did know better God marches the good, vision with Than to risk life beyond Tide where So, I sat and listen force and- it's wetter to my ol‘ tree attentively. now sings Power voice Imagine still ten years waiting and no With stepping equal, in the Goddess help Headache Chewables - Leroy picked- Gallons at BP desired but only felt “Doc” Floyd the Just of the choice. Small fumes leaking God strolling start to, whisk about his Two term deceiving, how can plan be An antidote against almost all— fact- different acetaminophen of Change-Not ev'true. If underground ban is lifted? Before bedtime brings the blues, buy Miracles of Goddess, stuck to Did it for those in small towns is his a bottled blend falsehood- shout Cause coughs create contamination now its a Look Through. To Create jobs and push frowns out that cause chills and congestion Parading with God, sees a knowledge Sounds out-dated as he will soon be Daily doctors develop doses for hard- Great is unspoiled land, why loose disease and indigestion applied unioning. the Sanctity Simply soothing supplements of Now Goddess be walking, to realize Rank it high priority of natives symptoms big and small the- Made this land safe unwilling to Take two tablets, the temperatures Earth is unities. threaten gone, thanks to Tylenol. God walking to path, in one for all- And set in efforts irreversible Universe, you and me's. Expect also to be lead instead of Her Name Was Always Six - Leroy leading worse “Doc” Floyd Shy Guy - Uri Small, Sr. Fears and adverse as prices continue to boom My cat has eyes of wisdom that wax Look her post see Beauty if life. While he calls for same bad plan as and wane like small eclipses Approached at light speed, I not shy. he did in '03 Her fur is soft as midnight cirrus and Lips gleam just nice in nature's be. What a shame y'all Voice has aim at as black as any witches One reason why me slides to see. Sea When she purrs its‘ like a bag of marbles let go in outerspace Voice makes no mind known, speaks My Ol’ Tree - Dana Crawford As endless as a peal of thunder as cool sly. lightning gives it chase Ears light, eyes point, she sees dude My ol‘ tree and me… She battles herself like Eskimos and nice, He never says a word, walks in pride and grace But thinks short treasure as walks by. Jus‘ listens to me attentively. She stalks the nightbirds, beasts, and Full-time kept pace on way no price. bugs, and never leaves a trace

My ol‘ tree and the bees… How intuitive this feline creature of He doesn‘t shun them, myth and magic vows

Jus‘ lets them be. Her beauty speaks in fervent vowels 33

as she softly says Meow Page

Waved by this jabber seen it Waste. A Gentle Change - Gary Gilbert Scratches on the Surface - Leroy Continued bend point then stopped “Doc” Floyd me. Everything is beautiful in youth, Up backed to her spot, eyed her Like beads of dew on new green they say knowing is the hardest part, space. grass. the form of art unknown Comments poured light in range The first rays of sun peeking over the and the greatest mirror looked into from'd scene. horizon. shows things still yet unshown But soon the freshness fades into gradually it all adds up to being part Mouth me shown smiles though as maturity. of dreams and shades confused. This maturity is also beautiful, playing out the part of me in a play so She states slow speech so sneaks The beauty that comes with the years. far unplayed, very, very vague Score's screw. Old mountains are gentle and I admit to being physical and almost Still doesn't grab on, me is used. majestic, always mental To pass on way new friend me loose. Smoothed and softened by the Lording this provincial life somewhat passage of time, presidential, although nothings What a Wonderful Dream - Bobby Their grandeur is no less wonderful. beneficial Biffel Silver hair is a crown of glory. I had this friend once long ago and Age purifies a golden heart. she loved to talk to stars To dread a dream of memories now With each passing day smile at the she joined them not so long ago when lost dew laden grass, she left this world of ours Of things and places and faces Let the first rays of dawn warm your I‘m proud to say I‘ve known a man unknown face. who didn‘t know I knew him Beating of the heart increases its pace But delight in the smooth, gentle and walked away before he‘d say the Familiar blinded, O where is this mountain we become. experience that subdued him place? I stay up night, hot cups of joe, and Music - Bobby Biffel questions never answered Visions distorted in the dreams of they say we‘ve reached the dread My preference of music is metal; unreachable… what‘s more left to The twists and the turns that lead to loud, deep, low, grasp? trouble Fast or slow; it doesn‘t matter. but after everythings been added up, Unseen, yet felt completely and When the rifts of that bass guitar we‘re no better off by half… within permeates your body, so I stay up nights with thoughts of Your mind all the horror and screams Moves your soul; thoughts and hope that I‘ll begin And the wail of the drums races unthink ‘em against them both. but I‘m too afraid to close my eyes I dread the dream distorted o'but seen They all join with the lyrics to ‘cause of what I‘ll miss when I In the sounds of screams and colors send you to a transcendent blink ‘em. of red Consciousness To wake seems bliss when the Created and directed by the words. Questions - Gary Gilbert o'dream has burst Inspires into you a wide range of Yet when you do rise, your life is emotion, How too speak when I have said too much worse That alleviates your cares for the next much? three minutes How to cry with a stale heart? Uphill Stream - Bobby Biffel Words on paper mean nothing to a critic, To ride a river against its current He sees them as he wishes. Past trees of olive and fields of deep Who can know my feelings but me? blue Is to feel the cold wind against its Double minded, double tongued, course Facade for the masses.

Fragile as my heart: Who can blame the Salmon? Easily rent by monsters.

The steely teeth are mine. 34

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Not all is grief, And men that are upright Bold in putting all feuds down But I am ungrateful. It is right to be this way How does it sound like classical Blessings come and go. music Why do we enjoy pain? 5 miles north from hurt's distance Put it to use and in favorite dance I think it easier. Getting off at sound of cheers Because it is why we prance Everybody bump glasses of wine What Did You Say - Uri Small, Sr. No drunkard's all sober in time Who talks about this but them Wow, how we've got here Under the street living slim Going somewhere thats free Ha! Ha! Ha! Look at us be Under the bridge begging for food Never complain of the troubles Guess right and say society's rude One has learned to see Black or white, soft or might

Instead joined with good women What matters most id the Soul

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