Sam

Your wavy hair glistens

Your dark eyes glow

They tell me you are broken.

When you are happy and smiling

Your dimples deepen and

The corners of your eyes turn up.

They tell me you are slow.

When you are laughing

Your whole body joins in

and your giggles overcome you.

They tell me you are delayed.

When I look into your deep, brown eyes

I meet a soul much older and wiser than my own.

They tell me they don't know.

***************************************
Copyright 2005 Regina Walker

911 ( a poem)

By Angela J. Perez

Desolation and despair
ripped through the air
as jet planes are crashing
everywhere.

We are under attack
and feeling our lack
of knowing what's
happening here.

With terrors in the sky
we are left wondering why
who is responsible,
who wants us to die.

We must all join
in lover and prayer
for American people
everywhere.

That with faith we will win
we shall triumph over sin
and our country will be whole
once again.

************
Copyright 2003 Angela J. Perez

NOW (a poem)

By Kimberly Simmons Merino

Now, I hesitate when a jet flies overhead.
I hold my breath when I turn on the news.
I hear sirens and I listen for more.
When I say goodbye, I add, 'be safe', and I savor that moment.
I think twice before entering buildings.
I am wary of large crowds.
I look with suspicion at others, and hate myself for doing it.
I have lost peace. And I grieve its death.
This unease will last forever.
And yet, I have gained.

Now, I measure my joy by little things.
The jingle of keys in the door.
The sound of gulping milk, slamming doors, backyard squeals.
The whispers of sleep that ruffle my midnight.
The squishy treasures found in pockets.
I say 'I love you' more frequently.
I say 'I am sorry' more often.
I share more of myself.
I am grateful. And I celebrate.
May this fragile thanksgiving last forever.

*******************************
Copyright 2003 Kimberly Simmons-Merino

Swinging with Lexi (a poem)

By Rachel Johnson

Having fun
as toes touch the sun;

flying through the sky
like an eagle up high;

side-by-side
on wooden swings we ride.

The wind twirls our hair out of place,
while rays of sun splash our face.

Laughter erupts
as eyes twinkle.

Free. Happy. Radiant.
Bursting with joy!

I'm sharing it with you
as you show me

how to play.
I'd forgotten.

****************************
Copyright 2003 Rachel Johnson