Baked Boulders and Sand
Gerald Zipper

I sat on the front deck
playing tag with the soft breeze
staring through rainshowers of green leaves
into the woods of streaky sunlight and slouching shadows
tranquil big-chested maples calmly observed my boldness
branched sinewy arms outstretched
a big-eyed fawn wobbled over
pointy ears fully alert
freshly arrived in this world
surprised it advanced
"What are you doing here? This is our place?" "This is mine, all bought and
paid-for"
but the forest knew better
they tolerated us on their long passage through time
these sly spectators knew what we would not dare
the spinning ball would later flick us off
replaced by baked boulders and seared sand.

Who I Am
Gerald Zipper

I am a writer
I hammer away at innocent sheets of paper
grappling with questions that have few answers
I write because I seek answers in words and lines
answers that always elude me
that slip around the soiled edges of the pages
I write to explain myself
to tell who I am
especially to me
I must keep seeking
demanding explanations
inventing answers
cleverly pretending to know
something
anything.

 How You Can Be Published:

There are several ways. You can also send in poetry or short prose of your own to be considered for IN OUR OWN WORDS, our ezine. We also recommend looking at the Classifieds in Poets and Writers Magazine, visiting our Calls for Submission Page, or entering one of the contests like our "People Before Profits Poetry Prize". Only entires that include a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) will be returned, so be sure to include this with your work. See our editorial philosphy. All writing published in IN OUR OWN WORDS remains the property of the author.