Summer School Epiphany: Johnny Got His Gun Michael Pruchnicki Windows cracked open -- the sharp crack of bat on ball on the diamond outside! Shouts as hitters rounded bases and fielders caught pop flies! We sat sweltering in the muggy room. Perhaps it was the teachers voice that lured us at first and teased us out of our discomfort; Gradually, bit by bit, shouts faded to murmurs. We listened intently. "I can't hear! My arms! What have they done with them! No legs! Blind! A dream? No more walking! No running! Jesus, there must be some way!" All the time the teacher read, muffled and subdued sounds filtered in from outside as though we were far away deep in some dark dream! Dust motes swirled and glittered, dancing in sunbeams. The bell ending the last day rang. We sat silently. Footsteps hurried by in the hallway.

A Feast of Ravens Michael Pruchnicki Two ravens looking down on the battlefield -- "Shall we pluck that lad's eyes? Bit of tripe, too?" "Why not? Lad won't miss 'em, eh?" Eyelids peeled and orbs swallowed in a trice! Lad lying, limbs askew, prompt the pair To nudge aside the shield and go for heart And lights, tearing through tissue, bone and gristle To the brave lad's very core! Bloody bills hack away at chunks of gory meat, Until satiated, bellies full, they rise. "No more!" The ravens ascend with slow heavy wing-beat Toward the eastern horizon.

Lonesome Road David Rumer If I am left behind, to travel on alone,     You'll be forever in my sight;   In every flower that blooms by day,    Or, in the stillness of the night.     The happiness of our past life,      In vivid mem'ry will remain;    The wispy ghosts of days gone by, Like haunting notes of love's refrain.    Our yesterdays will not be gone.  Those pleasures, I'll cherish ever. Since you were only meant for me,    Now, our parting can be never.  Why did we make our way as one? And, what gave us this need to care?       To the mystery of our love I'm sure there's nothing can compare.    If I'm the one who's staying on,     To dwell upon our happiness, You will remain here on my mind, And I will love you more, not less. If you'll just saunter on your way, Until the day fate makes its claim, And, down that path, I follow you.    Hear, as I softly call your name.

Love and the Five Senses Samuel DiMatteo Beloved, I look in your eyes, down to the essence of your very soul. I see love. From your lips I hear words of passion in the sound of those words. I hear love. While holding your hand, my heart beats faster. I feel love. In the warmth and passion of your soft lips, kissing mine, I taste love. Your glowing love aura gives off a fragrant aroma. I smell love. You make me see, hear, feel, taste, and smell love. That is why, I love you, Darling.

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