May I have this dance
Our slow steps tuned to the beat
Old songs warm the heart
by Ann Hutsell
Like winter’s kisses
My heart is frozen over
Your presence thaws it
by Ann Hutsell
Crowded rooms of gold.
Am I enough for this light?
Shadows whisper no.
Packing my suitcase.
Heavy with the things unsaid.
Leaving you in sleep.
No fur to be found.
Peach skin soft against my hand.
A tiny heartbeat.
Her hand in my own.
Once the anchor of my world.
Now feels like a leaf.
Design labs at night.
Pixels on a glowing screen.
Building what is next.
Desert in Springtime
Carpet of blooming colors
Bare sand no longer
Tall sun-warmed pine trees
Scent fills the air as tops sway
Sighing on the breeze
Border collie Spike
My black and white furry friend
Loves his dog biscuits
My Hawaiian hair
Cultural validation
My hair, a weapon
“You’re white, but your hair”…
Each thick strand confuses them
My hair, a privilege
Skin not brown? Okay
Weird, kūpuna prayed for ME…
My hair, a warning
Hawaiian for clout
“I’m Kanaka!” in DMs
My hair, their envy
“Hawaiian enough”
I hate that determiner
Koko: Hawaiian
Sweet rugged beauty
Piercing hearts and fingers
Cactus flower child
Cactus flower child
Love nourished by blood and tears
Cruel thorns tear both ways
My heart aches for you
And those who miss your wonder
Cactus flower child
Precious one I see
Your blossoms among the thorns
Cactus flower child
Look with eyes of soul
Words fail, orchids pale before
Cactus flower child
Cactus flower child
My elegant cherished bloom
Love and joy are ours
An unsure artist,
Paints dried and canvas displayed,
It looks great to me.
by E.G.
Vinyl
Needle drops and rings
Song floats through the air and sings
Record is complete