Survival by Autumn Gray
Autumn Gray
Survival
It’s as if my feet have been drenched in gasoline and my heels are made of sulfur,
After burning every bridge I have had the privilege of walking on,
It’s time to start over.
As I look at my reflection while brushing my teeth,
I see the story of my life written in the lines on my face—
Smile lines given to me by the mask I wear to disguise the voices lingering in my head,
Frown lines above my brow coming from my confused “Why me again, Lord” face,
Bags that showed up at my front door from carrying the weight of held back tears for so many years—
And in that moment I realize that it may be too late. I’m tired of fighting.
Some might say it’s just an excuse not to get up, to get motivated, or to live.
But in my case living has been exhausted, and survival is my main priority.
Wyatt by Michelle Dean
Michelle Dean
Wyatt
A spirit so free without a care in the world
Oblivious to the dangers in life
He feels safe in a stranger’s lap laying curled
Oh his innocence is so beautiful
If only it would last a lifetime
A young unscathed precious little soul
The love in his heart he expresses with words
Never knowing rejection he remains vulnerable
His voice so tiny yet so easily heard
Maybe we are the ones who are blind
We teach them even though we need taught
Oh how much we can learn from a child’s heart and his mind
Silent Sentry by David Yohman
David Yohman
Silent Sentry
A soldier stands watch in a cold dark place
He looks out on a cold dark night
A lone sentry keeping his friends safe
A chill goes up his spine
He sees movement in the cold dark night
He challenges the intruder from the cold dark place
Only to be pierced by a nameless face in the cold dark night
The soldier lies facedown in that cold dark place
Struck down by that nameless face