As a child*, I listened in fear at the end of the Cold War.Adults spoke defiantly, as each new threshold was reached in Space by US or THEM. Who are THEY, I wondered? They are Soviets. My teachers taught me fear for many years.I wondered, are the Soviet children afraid…
The lamp you bought in ‘92When it was new,When it was fine,Now it’s mine. Glass beads,Tiles and fabric,Bags of lentils,Surplus goods,Came home with me. Proof you lived,Now deposited at the transfer station,The contents of your kitchen,Sparkling on top of the trash. Glasses, stemware, dishes,Your special China.I was with you when…
So as the sun now leaves the skyAnd to its warmth we say goodbyeWe hearken back to days of yoreTo honor those that came before The ones that shared their DNAWhose blood and bone is in my veinsEach time I dance and breathe the airI thank you for the gifts…
A sip of brew,A gift from Lu.She laid it neatRight at my feet.And you can guessTwas motionless“Oh no!” I said,“This mouse is dead!” Said she, “this louseWas in my house!It was my rightTo bat and bite.The catnip toysMake little noise,So I did shredThis mouse instead!” Karen BrockelbankAugust 5, 2021