HAIKU
—from 2022 Rattle Young Poets Anthology

THROUGH NEW YEAR’S EVE
—from Rattle #76, Summer 2022
Tribute to Prisoner Express
__________
Rolf Rathmann: “For myself, poetry is writing stripped bare—raw, vulnerable, frightening. It also challenges me to be more concise, a trait I lack verbally. Whether it be childhood loss, the angst of coming out, or the pangs of addiction then recovery, poetry helps me release the pain, and capture the joy. This contribution is dedicated to my family—by birth and the family I choose, my friends, for seeing light in me when I so often saw dark.”
A HAZARDOUS BRUSH WITH AN ABNORMALLY EXTENDED FEELING OF WELL-BEING
—from Rattle #33, Summer 2010
Tribute to Humor
__________
Greg Kosmicki: “I write poems because I’ve found that it’s the easiest way to agitate my wife of 36 years.”
SPECULATION AT 50
—from Rattle #76, Summer 2022
__________
Madeleine Tully: “I’d like to sound more intellectual about things, but the truth is that writing poetry saves me. This poem found me at my most vulnerable, hunted me actually. Then it helped heal me.”
AMERICA BEHIND THE GLASS
—from Poets Respond
August 9, 2022
__________
Alejandro Escudé: “I think the practice of secure store shelving is interesting because of the products themselves. They are things that human beings need to coexist. To me, this says a lot about capitalism as a general system of human organization. It says a lot about desire, consumption, beauty, survival, self esteem.” (web)
from NOBODY CARES
—from Rattle #76, Summer 2022
Tribute to Prisoner Express
__________
Cesar Hernandez: “I discovered writing in prison. I didn’t think my words mattered to anyone. I was completely taken by surprise when one of my fellow inmates said my words are meaningful to her. Catherine La Fleur inspired me to become a better writer. Now I take writing seriously and constantly revise to make sure each piece is perfect. Over time I am surprised at how much I have opened up about myself.”
ON STICKING OUT LIKE A SORE OPPOSABLE THUMB
—from Poets Respond
August 7, 2022
__________
Bob Hicok: “This poem was written in response to this article: ‘As More Bird Species Go Extinct Those That Are Left May Be More Alike.’”