Short+Excerpt

//__ Who am I?  __// Who am I?   What am I doing here? What was I thinking of? How could I do this? Was I temporarily insane? My bloody hands just took away so many lives They all died for something they shouldn’t of   And I know that But I blinded my eyes and heart to do this What should I say to their kids? Their wives or husbands? That I killed you loved one For no existing reason, what so ever? Either way, there’s no turning back now What is done Is   Done - inspired through a picture of the holocaust

//__ Survival  __// How do I bare to tell her this? I can’t bring myself to say this So I say He is okay He will be fine He will survive and be a great man But, I’m lying He will die He will not survive He will not get to experience the bitters of life Or the sweets He will not get a chance to thank his mom for everything Or meet his wife Or teach his kids Or pursue his dreams Because I can’t save him Because he was fated to die From the moment Of the War - inspired through a picture of iraq children

//__ Lucky, Not? __// I can feel his ribs Jutting out of his thin skin His shoulders shoving out of his own skin His cheeks bony and swallowed in   What is it like to be him for a day? We would go out and party Drinking champagne Celebrating an achieved doctor’s degree Or a successful BAR test We would buy luxury form Barneys We would go to the Hampton’s and come back with a beautiful tan While this boy here Is fighting And holding on   To the thin rope Of survival -inspired through a picture of ethiopian children

//__ Is That Too Much To Ask For? __// My eyes are a blur All I can see is nothing Frantic and worried Who were these people? What did they think they were doing? All I ever wanted Was someone to hold me tight To tell me that they loved me   To provide me a loving family To have enough to eat To have a good night sleep without interruptions To have a house with a roof Is that too much to ask for? - inspired through a picture of the vietnam war

//__ The Beginning __// I sip my morning coffee. The white ceramic cup was cold against my lips. The dark and rich aroma swirled around. The newspaper was on my table. I reached for the newspaper that had a shade of dark and rich black ink sinking into the yellowish embrace. The headline read, “Soviet Spy Ship Eyes Missile Tests off N.Y.” // So I see they have a head start. But not for long. I’m sure their intentions will be worthless once things are in place. //    The waiter approached me. His charming chestnut eyes spoke for themselves. He asked me, “Is there something I can get you?” I answer politely, “Yes, may I have a slice of cheesecake?” He nodded and walked away. When he returned with my food he settled it next to me and asked, “What do you think of the cold war between Russia and America?” I laugh and reply, “Should we not discuss the matters of politics here? I’m just trying to enjoy my day like you are.” He smiled and walked away to serve another customer. // We’ll see about that. Is America stronger or Russia? In time the answer will be right before our eyes and we will also get to see the darkest side of our countries. //    I left a ten dollar bill on the table and picked up my coat. I shrugged into it and wrapped my white scarf around myself. On the way out I dropped my newspaper into the garbage can and threw a wink at the waiter, who was looking my way. I pushed open the heavy doors and walked out. // This is just the beginning. // -inspired through a picture of the cold war newspaper

//__ Who I Was  __// Today I worry about who might try to poison me   Tomorrow I worry about who might try to slip me    The day after tomorrow I worry about who might murder me    But before everything Before his majesty’s love Life was simple I was lonely Begging for attention Craving for care There was nothing to worry about Because I had nothing anybody wanted Now life is hard Things changed I’m not the girl I was 2 years ago I was care free and naïve But now I can’t say I am who I was Because Simply I   Am    Not -inspired through Chinese concubine painting

//__ Will It Be Over? __// She looked like she was in despair. Her faded plaid dress was tight against her huge belly. There was nothing to hope for. Nor was there anything to long for. Because it wouldn’t come. If there was a smile it wouldn’t be from joy. But there was no smile anyway. Her skin was pale and lusterless. Her cheeks had no hint of red or pink. Her eyes were dull and empty. She kept saying, when will the storm be over? -inspired by a photo from the great depression