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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Like Molten Chocolate

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