Two Poems
Jessica Stewart
In an Instant
Sunshine settles down upon,
A chilled concrete bench
Like a calling to creativity.
Without hesitation, I follow.
Various leaves and flower petals
Float tenderly in the wind
Among discarded trash,
And cigarettes extinguished.
Enveloping me.
Bodies drag themselves from here to there,
As laughter echoes,
Among reveries and complaints.
Within an instant,
I set my thoughts on paper
And find a niche in time,
To record my words,
That would have, upon different circumstances,
Lingered in my head, desolate.
The Origin of Self
I am from theme parks,
Exclusive events, invitation only,
My father’s hard work spills down the scene.
I am from New York, Hawaii, California too,
Thousands of miles traveled,
In a young child’s eyes.
I am from my mother, housewife devoted
The steak that bled and glistened,
On the stainless steel barbecue by the pool.
I’m the boxes we packed when it all went to hell.
The grand piano sold;
Riches, rags, now nothing.
I’m the Motel 6 sign, illuminated;
It buzzes at midnight, attracting mosquitoes.
A hotel becomes an ill fitted replacement for a home,
My family tumbled down like my father’s spirit.
I’m the middle class apartment,
Rent paid, filled with small treasures;
I’m appreciative of having it all, then nothing.
The middle ground breeds comfort,
Success fully measured.