I wonder if lightning
is like yawns contagious
or like laughter infectious
I wonder if lightning
is like applause rippling
or like firecrackers popping
I wonder if lightning
is anything at all
once there now gone
Month: July 2023
Lightning
From my bedroom window
I can see lightning
flash above the mountains
like the paparazzi cordoned
off from the celebrities
hoping to catch a
glimpse of their chagrin
having been caught unaware
popping off like proud
parents at bad concerts
and embarrassing bat/bar mitzvahs
the dance of lights
like winks across a
room of strangers sent
by one received by
another some land quietly
while others strike and
ignite interest and passion
a brush fire moving
from eye to stomach
to loin causing flush
and dreams of desire
BeforeDoJustDon’t (for Raphael)
I have learned in
my life that one
must be happy with
oneself and find oneself
attractive and love oneself
unconditionally before they can
even attempt to find
someone else the same
way coveting what another
has be it beauty
things or even love
simply reminds you of
that which is missing
within yourself sure at
first it’s exciting but
as heat does to
milk so does envy
do to your attraction
Cigars
And so uncle Manny
smoked cigars and whenever
at the age of
three we visited their
home in Port Washington
I remember opening the
door and being struck
by that manly associated
aroma followed by my
Aunt Jeanette’s arms and
Tippy’s cold wet nose
Cigars then became to
me and continue to
do the odor of
family and love and
of support for while
my own family life
was abysmal filled with
hate bigotry and ignorance
there in Port Washington
and with the cigars
came love and affection
OoofMorning
I’m foggy today
my mind lumbering
like a giant
drunk on grog
weaving this way
and that way
bumping into memories
over here and
losses over there
hopefully finding some
way to finally
sit sobering up
having a cup
of hot hope
with a dollop
of sweet dreams
HARLAN DIDRICKSON 