A Villanelle with Imagery — Front and center, no longer hidden Longitudinal study of genocide The white man’s burden, “Death to the Black man” for it is written

From a woman who knew neither of them — Between the ages of five and six, my mother divorced my father. She never spoke bad about him, however, the only thing she would tell me is that I would find out what kind of person he was on my own. During that time, there were the scheduled weekend visits…

A Villanelle — She is strong and resilient, nothing gets by her History has taught her much for all that she sees Her pain and anguish for her lost child, she is now death’s connoisseur Life has grown from within, she is love’s whisperer And its just a matter of time she’ll teach…

A Villanelle — The days of old are gone, but the shackles still remain Where can mercy and grace be found White supremacy carries the mark of Cain Treated like animals, so very inhumane Racism and hate are America’s playground The days of old are gone, but the shackles still remain Another life…

A Villanelle — We waved goodbye, as they walked out the door A kiss on the cheek, a tight hug was felt The sound of their voice is nevermore Memories in the sun from their time at the shore It was only a matter of time when we realized the hand they were…

during quarantine — “These uncertain times” I hear this a lot, on the radio, TV, streaming services. However, it has put me in a particular mindset, the mindset of: “Give us this day our daily bread” Most people recognize this verse, its from the Lord’s Prayer. This is the Catholic version: Our Father…