Poems
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National Poetry Month Day 14: “The Vindication of Judas” by Daniel W.K. Lee
The Vindication of Judas Forgive me at last, Brother, for the death sentence: a kiss that revealed me, an act of obedience which began your martyrdom. Who else but you—who loves me still—could I ask to bear blame for my…
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National Poetry Month Day 13: “Today” by Gina Myers
Today Each year I know less about myself but the insurance company knows how much my life is worth. This is for those who suffer & endure & laugh about it later. Someone asked, “where do you get your news…
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National Poetry Month Day 12: “My First Male-to-Male Kiss” by Rigoberto González
My First Male-to-Male Kiss ______was on Mexican TV. In the 80s. Believe me. Like my cousin Mari, I too wished I could be Érika Buenfil, her blonde locks so close to René of the dark pompadour that looked like a…
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National Poetry Month Day 11: “The History of Asterisks” by Elisa Gabbert and Kathleen Rooney
The History of Asterisks It is midnight under the sky’s dome ceiling. The moon speaks, saying nothing of consequence. John Wayne is from Iowa, so we hitchhiked West and I realized I never really loved you. Your skepticism of scientific…
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National Poetry Month Day 10: “11 February 2004 / Buffalo” by Jessica Smith
11 February 2004 / Buffalo –Jessica Smith
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National Poetry Month Day 9: “Prophecy: After the Dam” by Camille Dungy
Prophecy: After the Dam the floodplains do bloom_____ the horsetail die+++++ the wheatits thousand thousand eyes eyeing a fat future _____nods and nods never fearing the peasants plant potatoes plant turnips___ radish and carrot even the mice leave the hovels and make camp in the…
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National Poetry Month Day 7: “Such Unfortunates” by Sophie Klahr
Such Unfortunates It doesn’t get better, it gets different. Ask God, Clean House, Help Others. Try taking a trip, not taking a trip, swearing off forever— with and without solemn oath. This too shall pass: this rented office space, these…
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National Poetry Month Day 6: “The Early Minutes of Without” by Michael Klein
The Early Minutes of Without You thought you were spared falling in love with another drunk now that you were sober and could feel the ordinary grain that ran through everything. You were awake in the great city and moved…
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National Poetry Month Day 5: “ESL” by Jericho Brown
ESL You come with a little Black string tied Around your tongue Knotted to remind Where you came from And why you left Behind photographs Of people whose Names need no Pronouncing. How Do you say God Now that the…
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National Poetry Month Day 4: “We Who Bite the Hand” by Jonterri Gadson
We Who Bite the Hand The asses that sit on grocery store eggs praying they will hatch belong to the hands that sever worms and snap beetle’s backs just so we can build a bug hospital with the same fingers that pick…
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National Poetry Month Day 3: “this is me” by Adam McGovern
this is me PATH train ride, boy and girl inked, unmarked legs braided at one knee a bud from the same split phone cord speaking in each other’s ear and girl and girl pierced, unharmed platform combat boots and microskirts…