When I was a child,I dreamt of what I could do.I’d stand outsideOn a clear spring afternoon,Waiting to catch a butterfly on mytongue.I always wanted to catch a rainbow.I’d sit on the floor,Talking to inanimate objects,Hoping they were actually listening.I always wanted to advise a balloon.I’d sit in front of the fireplace,Consuming the warmth.And be…

I come from faithThe faith deeply felt by Michael and Margaret Fitzpatrick as they traveled to the unknownEllis Island, leaving family, security, countryI come from hopeThe hope deeply felt by Michael and Margaret Fitzpatrick as they provided for a family ofeight during the Great DepressionI come from loveThe love deeply felt by Michael and Margaret…

Pomatomus saltatrix, you showed me how to loveIn lapping of the waves against the gallows’ posts aboveThe gentle bay, forever clear, where barnacles sing ofA heaven freed of ugliness and brutal death thereofThe fisher boy had broken yet like tawny August dawnA tiny speck of cold and sweat dripped slowly down uponA bare yet gilded…

Sensation gripped the fingers. I am anemia. Secluded; holding tighter to thechair.Bound and gagged, your hips moved closer to the floor as I took over. I fillyour lungs with this last breath as my gift.I won’t ever let go; to the paper wrapped around your fingertips.Burning it down to the filter. Arms shaking in celebration…

Liana Florez2015