Contentment or Contempt?

Depends…

the kid

wanted

the kitty

with eyes 

like white

emojis,

the one born 

of coral 

blood from

a cardboard

placenta

-Anne Leighton, 2017

Ask Me Anything

Dear Dearest Friend

when it’s too late—

please say something nice about me.

Love trickles down—this I must believe. 

If anyone is to be free 

it’s us loudly shoving that reality,

Let the meek inherit the earth   

put your hurt on the front burner 

for us all to comfort together  

My Beloved Family,

I stand my ground

even when you put me down. 

Emancipation Proclamation!

Do some homework, and learn what that means

Dignity must descend to daughters and sons!

Let the meek inherit the earth   

put your hurt on the front burner 

for us all to comfort together  

My amazing country,

I declare freedom

but sometimes you ask me for too much.

It starts with my neighbor and in my backyard.

I’ve called your offices, sent you emails,

So don’t condemn us citizens for our requests.

Let the meek inherit the earth   

put your hurt on the front burner 

for us all to comfort together  

Brothers and sisters

asking for attention.

Partners on our journeys.

“They’d like to help you if they can find the time

but they’re doting over Facebook and some in-laws that died.”

I’ll only keep you a while. I know if I’m nice, they’ll be nicer. 

hahahahahaha

I don’t know. 

oh,

give it up, nobody cares, 

I can’t solve a problem but I can sing,

and maybe then someone will be listening

Let the meek inherit the earth

put your hurt on the front burner 

for us all to comfort together

-Anne Leighton, 2017