Yellow Graphic reading: Vendor Writing

Peace

Warm summer evening beckonsthe children to the baseball diamondThe public swings creak, people calls across the parkTouching each other with their voicesThe last birds flit and swoopThe moon like a wontonPlump and nearMusic thumps,Melodies linger in the voices of women friendsA breeze reminds usOf what we share

Yellow Graphic reading: Vendor Writing

Undefeated

It’s hot — so hot!Humidity?Through the roofI’m cute as all get-outIn my flowers and bowsYet after two hoursOf hawking my papersOn the heat-radiating roadwayBack and forth, back and forthI’ve not made a single dollarI pack it inThinking of dear ScarlettDefiant ­— UndefeatedI whisper to the SunTomorrow is another day!

Yellow Graphic reading: Vendor Writing

Stigmata

You awaken in the darknessAnd set out to break your fast before workThe floppy toe of your worn-out shoeCatches on an uneven sidewalk seamYou stumble and tumble downUnable to catch yourselfThe knees of your pants rip open firstThen the skin on your knees and palmsGives wayTo the rough craggy slab of ancient concreteYou do your best to staunch the bloodWith the cuffs of your shirtThen limp on to the fast food placeYou grab some napkins at the beverage barAnd continue to dab at the bloodYou take a place in line and noticeThe girls at the counterAre looking in your directionLike there must be someoneWith two heads in your proximityYou look behind you with excited anticipationWhen a young man wearing a name tagThat just reads “manager”Approaches and asks you to leaveSaying they don’t serve your kind there