
Living with the power
of peace
transforms from the inside out.
But suffering inside the fire
of a dragon
kills like cancer
that metastasizes
at the sound of a voice.
Whenever I teach my students
how to write “Where I’m From” poems
I crave the past,
popsicles and Christmas tree flocking
falling on presents Mommie promised
I crave Nana’s baking
her back aching
and her cigarette scented hugs.
I peek into poetic memories
of young writers now college scholars
and I read.
I read Where I’m From poems
from 2002 and 2004
Precious people whose paths and mine
crossed
and tangled footprints in sand
eventually blew with wind and tears
back to my heart
where I protect the peace
in each piece I read.
I find my poem from 2008
When I was from making enchiladas
and summers in swimming pools
But I sense some missing peace
in my piece.
I don’t read that aloud
but it still shouts and makes my skin sweat.
Instead I listen
to what my class is writing
in a 15-minute warm-up.
Every voice is valued.
I praise one for its musical memories
Another for its vivid visuals of family traditions
But when I hear rich rhymes
and unexpected innocence
about loving frogs and butterflies
from the kid who never tries
I saw his light shining from trickster eyes.
I’m from never giving up
just keep writing
you’re on this one
and poems have power.
When I was 20
I thought love and peace lasted forever
and hot chocolate
with whipped cream could cure
the common cold.
I thought other people’s kids were adorable
and being an adult meant having a salary.
I thought cooked vegetables were toxic
and waffles with butter
and drizzles of syrup
fit in 3 food groups.
I thought men protected women
and women who were strong
could rule the world anyway.
Now, I know better.
Strong women can rule the world.
The seven words I used in my poem come from Prince’s song, Lady Cab Driver. A 7-Word Prompt Poem is written in 7 lines, uses 7 words from any source, and the topic is your choice.
My 7 words: politicians, discrimination, isolation, confusion, creator, demon, mansion
Peace and Liberty
Awakening to confusion in the mansion of my mind
Threatening politicians with historic practices
Sickening discrimination against my creator’s plans
Enslaving isolation like mental oppression
Refusing to succumb to greedy demons
Rising above the ashes of a free nation
Protecting my liberty to be at peace with me
Peace from Her Perspective
Peace from His Perspective
Peace = Accepting perspectives
I remember anger
lived in my house
with fangs
dirty clawed fingers
squalid spirits
blood-shot windows
venomous kisses
ate acidic holes
into temporary peace.
I remember anger
packed with suitcases
and mildewy boxes
shoved into storage
with darkness
and silence.
I remember anger
distant enemy
weapons destroyed
battle lost
to peace.