Poets Forum
ONE GRAIN OF SAND
I heard only static as I fumbled with the dials.
The radio had been silent for many a score of miles.
The charcoal highway wound into cool mirages where water mirrored sky.
Amidst the brown-green grass stood skeleton-like cacti with outstretched arms waiting patiently for one drop of moisture from God’s generosity.
A thought flashed through my mind; soon I must leave this cathedral-like silence behind.
One grain of sand from this tranquility subdues the chaos of the city.
— Dean Henning Deceased
I STILL BELIEVE
Bring on the rain Drench me to the skin Let it pour
I will praise Your name.
Bring on the fire Scorch my skin
Let the flames lick
I will praise your name.
You still reign despite all the problems and the problems I bring on myself.
You still reign despite sickness and pain and my uncertain health.
You still reign despite the world’s harsh realities and its injustices.
I still praise I still follow I still believe.
— Laura Bridges Sherwood
HAIKU
raking under shrubs pulling out two Easter eggs —the 7th of June
—Pat Laster Benton
UNTITLED
The bravest of birds
The redbirds and jays acted bold, But here is a tale to be told
They vied for the seed,
Each one in their greed,
Till one old black crow proved who’s bold.
— Karen Kay Bailey Blanchard, OK
ROCK ISLAND LINE
Number 36 came rolling down the Rock Island Line hissing steam, belching smoke.
Every window drew in Ozark spring Smooth- faced farm boys in khaki shirts leaned out the windows, laughed, yelled, called, squatting on the berm.
One day Rock Island took my big brother away,
Later it brought his letters from France.
Day after day Rock Island came, Dropped off letters, carried boys away. Rock Island never brought my brother home.
It brought a black-edged telegram to my mom.
— Dewell H. Byrd Deceased
HAIKU
bits of string and yarn hang from nest in red oak tree screech of red-tailed hawk
—Sue Watson Benton •••
To submit poems for publication, please send poems of 16 or fewer lines to Dennis Patton, 2512 Springhill Circle, Alexander, AR 72002, or patton_dr@hotmail.com.