because for one moment, it’s us, not them.

I long to sit in a study room filled

with people un-peopled. With

women un-womended,

men un-mended,

as we sip lattes made from coffee

cherries that we think are simply beans.

 

My toes want to curl in leaves that could be

their own colors, with parts that given us

their names:  Bobby or Lindsey. But when you

smash them up they become grains, adding

together to create things like Alex or Jamie.

Broken into pieces that are both their own

hue, and adding to a pile big enough

for us to jump in together.

 

Popcorn like poprocks for everyone to taste

with giggles, ooh’s and ahh’s of the mob in

the movie theater, a simple group of you:

Author's Note

I've been trying out new forms, as always. I wanted to approach my frustration with the "us" vs. "them" mentality.

Reviews

[Aekmy]

The words flow nicely throughout the work and I enjoy the concept you chose and also how you presented it. Though, I believe you could lengthen it and apply it to other situations, but, in no way am I saying this isn't fabulous because it is! Overall, you did a wonderful job. Keep writing. (:

[A.Taylor]

I really like this piece. I completely understand frustration with the us vs them mentality. And being in the military i have to deal with even more "us-es" and "thems" and i .... am now going to completely blank what i was going to say but i'm sure it would have been profound and insightful... completely unlike what is actually here instead. sorry my brain sucks, but once again, great piece.