Beckie Loewenstein

Like cranberry produce Squished inside rigid cans, I cannot say no, cannot refuse My mother's intrusive plans. A party at the Finnish Embassy For me to go dance alone But mom insists on driving So I've got nervous bones. I peevishly decline her request Without one ounce of tact. Now I've got this parental mess Thanksgiving, I got to change my act. Dedicated to Christina

non-toxic white goo why melt horse hooves down to glue? heated oats work, too

I don't need your parasympathy My nervous system works for me. Those sad thoughts coursing through my mind Spiral brain waves up, down my spine. Today my face swollen with tears, Tomorrow smiling ear to ear.

rain drop floats up and down riding cirrus cloud falls down through dry air kerplunk drop bounces on leaf absorbs gold pollen rolls off petal down down dry stem hairs kersplash drop bounces in mulch absorbs brown soil specks slides in earthworm tunnels down down to dry roots

You touch, smell, or taste something And realize that it leaves a residue On you. Stay to read and write, please do.

mango con chile paprika and chili powders dried mango strips packaged in plastic. fingers pick up mangoes, place in palm of hand. skin oils mingle with spices and red orange particles seep underneath fingernails. fingers press and rub eyes, swirling spices into tear ducts. sudden awareness of spice residue transfer from fingers to eyes. salty spicy tears pour out gotas de lágrima con chile

rain drop floats up and down riding cirrus cloud falls down through dry air kerplunk drop bounces on leaf absorbs gold pollen rolls off petal down down dry stem hairs kersplash drop bounces in mulch absorbs brown soil specks slides in earthworm tunnels down down to dry roots