Poetry, by Laura Alaniz

Poetry

Nothing makes people flee

Like reading them poetry

They value it in theory

But please don’t make them read

Surprise me with your verse

You have to grab me

Rhyming will only make it worse

You won’t catch me with just flow

(2015)

She is no longer Part of my life I’ve moved on My life is full With friends

How do you describe A man so dramatic? You can recognize him From afar with his hat Always the gentleman

I feel like crap Most days I have a lot going my way I am loved I can smile

Rough day Rough night If I could live In my bath Water would never

Some I like to share Fresh out of the oven Don’t let it get cold That’s why I wrote it Emotions in that moment

A joke Lost in Translation You will Never

Uh-Oh! Cranky mood Throws a fit Over cereal Cheerios

Turkey and dressing Loud and overwhelming Opinions and food fly Green bean casserole Too much laughter

I would never choose To eat a granola bar Or peanut butter crackers Though I eat them All of the time

When the emotion comes up It feels like heartburn Like acid Clenching my throat My ears go watery

No pido disculpas Por escribir Lo que siento Lo que llevo adentro Lo que vivo

My heart breaks A little each day For problems I can’t solve For things I can’t change All I can do is pray

Why do we love sunsets? Distinguishing fascination What other species Must stop and stare A romantic couple

You must commit To an outfit Where are you going? In sporty yoga pants Athletic top

I can feel it coming Decisions I can’t make Brain starts to freeze Fingers won’t work Sick of this disease