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nocturne en plein airislanded by nightfall, she forages for questions without answers under a canopy embroidered in stars,a balsamic moon lanterns her silhouette’s steps along winding footpaths blanketed in evergreen and spruce..so careful not to leave a trail of crumbs … Continue reading →

ChoicesMorning greets with Joyful anticipationWhen life was SimplerOne choicechoose OneSweater,Just oneWhich one?Crouch Looking intoThat drawerSunshine spillsIlluminating its contentsPluck One sweaterPlentyOf timeHaving arose earlyI think of Friends I’ll seeAnd smileI want to look my BestThis first dayOh no, lots of time … Continue reading →

German Expressionism-Max Pechstein 1881-1955 Nude Figure 1920 Graphite on paper As my head crushed the pillow, My last thoughts were of a nude I had seen in the National Gallery. Not of her ample breast, Nor the exhibit label, But … Continue reading →

My Mothers Are LadybugsCarnivorous guardian angels slipthrough window cracks in search ofgnats or half empty glasses of juice.Their razor mouths chewthe dust of fitful sleep. When I wake,my mind is neater for it.They swarm around the bedpost and under pillows—bold … Continue reading →

God CallsGod speaks in Her own voice,raspy from cigarettesand tequilla shots.“I hear you’re feeling down,She says, “You want to lie, under the bedcovers and drown.One more teacher shot,another six-year-oldwith a gun in their hands.You can’t stand the soundwhen the gun … Continue reading →

Stymphalian Shadow Oh Artemis, goddess of the hunt, why do you sic your pet on those who have done you no wrong? Be gone Ares, god of war, stop the Stymphalian shadow. Break its wings, catch its beak, let it … Continue reading →

I Dream I’m peeking out at the sliver of light Visible because the crimson blanket Draped over the standard rectangle On the side of our backroom bedroom Tries to cover a narrow concrete alleyway Where the sound of a passing … Continue reading →

The Tribunal The idea was to speak but none of us spoke. We stood in a line. Moonlight wouldn’t reveal what lay in shadow and our silence felt no echo between us. Like the darkness inside a cave, that complete. … Continue reading →

Copyright 2020 Marian Kaplun Shapiro. Marian Kaplun Shapiro, a practicing psychologist, is the author of a professional book, and seven books of poetry. She was twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Upbringing, her latest collection of graphic poems, was published … Continue reading →