Everybody

my stepmom organized

diminished leftovers

so bowls of all sizes

found melting and melding

with her stews and sauces

of veggies and Butter.

 

-December 2022

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

My Friend

"Find me on snopes," posted Baby Dragon.

"I'm not photoshopped by your Facebook friend."

She breathes out smoke, 

and tenderly moves it away from me, waving her thin wings.

She stands up to those monsterly women in the 'hood. 

"They need cigarettes to blow smoke," 

she gloats with a puff and shake of her lean lizard physique,

"Their clothes so tight, their breasts crease into four boobs!'

She flies as wind beneath my wings spiritually

snapping a portrait of me from so high,

"You smile," she delivers in a text,

"You, I respect, forget the rest."

PRETEND MY WORLD IS A PERSON

Photo of the Standard Hotel, After Power Restored Nov. 3, 2012

(Mother Nature's 9-11 Riddle Poem)

Pretend my world is a person,
who has a short time
Pretend my world has friends
who she gives much to
Pretend these friends take,
but do not care for her
What would you say
What would you say
What would you do?

Pretend these friends have friends
who really do care
Pretend those friends are scared
to stay on their course
Pretend that path connects
to someone who cares
What would you say
What would you say
What would you do?

Pretend this is for real
for it really really is
Pretend the real can be healed
for you know you can
Pretend to be an angel
who will help the world.
What would you say
What would you say?
What would you do?