Laura Baumann Otsubo
I WAS FEELING
—Laura Baumann Otsubo, Sacramento
I was feeling
something
but remembered
how you seemed
frustrated
with me
So I became
mad
at you.
Thinking you
were mad
at me
I began to
hate you
but decided
you probably
actually
were indifferent.
So I boxed
you up
and moved on
____________________
NO POEM
—Laura Baumann Otsubo
I’m sorry, but
I didn’t bring a poem.
I kept meaning to
write one, but ran
out of time.
I just couldn’t
come up with a topic.
Well, I guess
that’s not true --
I had some ideas
but I didn’t really
have anything to say.
I mean, I didn’t know
how to say it—
what to write down.
Its not like I know
how to write poetry.
__________________
INHALATION
—Laura Baumann Otsubo
Bright red—
I want you
always
with me
A present
I reach for
again
and again
Snuggly
emotional
blanket
of puff
I breathe
you in
Albuterol
___________________
PLAGUE DOCTOR
—Laura Baumann Otsubo
You must have been a fright
in your bird-like mask,
canvas gown from neck to ankle,
gloves, boots , and brim hat.
That cone beak nose, stuffed
with camphor, cloves, myrrh,
rose petals and straw to
save you from the putrid air.
A wooden can, to touch
the buboes in the groins and
armpits of patients, who saw
only death in your glassy eyes.
________________
THINGS FORGOTTEN
—Laura Baumann Otsubo
I don’t remember
the feeling I had when I realized my lisp was gone
the classmates who liked me even when I had no friends
the name of a teacher who offered kindness
I was too embarrassed to receive
____________________
Today's LittleNip:
LAVA CAKE
—Laura Baumann Otsubo
Like
molten chocolate
flowing from
a warm
lava cake,
I wanted you.
But you were
not on the
dessert menu.
___________________
—Medusa, with thanks to Laura Baumann Otsubo for today's poems! Laura writes: I was a regular at the Sacramento Poetry Center’s (SPC) Tuesday Night Poetry Workshop and am now a member of the EGGs (Elk Grove Group) with Katy Brown. A former board member of the SPC, I also served as Secretary and as a Poetry Editor of Poetry Now. I live in Fair Oaks.
And take note that there are three poetry events in our area today and tonight: Third Thursdays at the Library at noon today; Straight Out Scribes at Luna's tonight; and a new issue of The Blue Moon Literary and Art Review in Davis tonight also. Scroll down to the blue board (below the green board) at the right of this column for all the details.
Laura Baumann Otsubo
—Photo by Frank Dixon Graham, Sacramento
