Gael / Instagram: gael_vergara_
When He Reaches His Solitude in Full
He closes the door, turns off the lights
except the hallway’s which leads to the fence
and lets him peek at the bougainvillea
and the branches of the sweet apple he planted last winter.
Inside his room one candle
by the window will do.
A smokey candle and its faint glow
to reconsider the seating arrangement
of faces, bodies, names, and places
that appear through the smoke.
In endless hallways sighs stumble to reach him.
Voices and rooms so remote they almost went under.
But he’ll be there hands and all
to guide them out of the dark, with smoke for a path,
light for a sign, and the fence
that keeps everything in place, preserved
and well cared for.
That his memories will not rot or expire.
That they will suffice, be there waiting for him
when he reaches his solitude in full.
— Ghassan Zaqtan
Zakariya, Beit Jala, Ramallah
Translated by Fady Joudah.
Read more at:
thebaffler.com/logical-revolts/poems-from-palestine
Lost Art
Open chest cavity, missing
Heart.
Everything we were is
Decaying.
I tried to grasp us before we fell
Apart.
Our lips were
Graying.
Bitter kisses tasted
Tart.
Moss covered bodies
Laying.
We're charcoal shadows in our own
Part.
I couldn't beg, the highlights to keep
Staying.
But look at us now, we're a work of
Art.
— Lyssa Schweizer
shortandstoutblogs.wordpress.com
“I'm a passionate comic writer & illustrator who loves the art of storytelling above all else. I was ecstatic at the opportunity to create a piece that features the entire ensemble of characters from my on-going series Potentia for this month's cover!”
Social Media: @Lotte Comics
