Poetry

What if…if just for today
I thought I was pretty?
It almost makes me giddy!
But what if?
Would I stand a little taller?
Walk a little prouder?
Smile at the reflection in the mirror?

What if…just for today,
I thought I was strong!
Capable to handle whatever comes along?
What if?
Would I speak my mind?
To the weak be kind?
Make solid decisions, my mind clearer?
And what if… for today only,
I believed I was worthy?
Would it make me happy?
If…
I thought of myself as God does,
Lived life as his princess cause,
That’s who I am to my creator.
If, for today,
I say,
I am pretty,
I am strong,
I am worthy,
I’m capable,
I’m kind,
I am my beloved’s,
And he is mine.
–Lee Stewart

I have lived in Bakersfield for five years. I am currently working on a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and have applied for the Masters Degree program at CSUB. I self-published a book of poems called InkSpots and wrote a screenplay. Lately, however, most of my writing has been academic in nature.

My voice shakes, my hand reaches out.
I grip your extended hand firmly, feeling your vibes.
We smile at each other and mumble our names.
Hands drop, as do your eyes—awkward moments.

I watch your face, glance at your hands.
“First time here?”
Never looking up, you nod.
“You’ll like it, I think,” I smile.

You look up, smiling with hope.
I see your eyes searching mine,
They ask if I’m being sincere.
You see me, I see you.

You see honest interest and caring,
I see your worry, fear of rejection.
You see I understand,
I see you begin to open the door to your soul.

You see, then feel no threat, no harm,
I see a warm and beautiful heart,
And we have connected.
I am so glad I see you.

—Judy Kukuruza

Judy Kukuruza is a retired college instructor, continual student of others and bleeding heart peace lover. She has written since she learned to write. Her memoir, One Body, Many Souls, was published in 2018.

Sierra dawn,
crystals whirl, wispy– white gentle on pine branches.

Awakened children run to this surprise,
form a footpath from the cabin,
flapping arms and legs, becoming angels—

Children and parents—together—push and roll snowballs into
white belly, chest and head:
Brown branches for arms,
black briquettes for eyes,
yellow banana peel for a smile,
sliced carrots for buttons;

This snowman stands on a lawn overlooking a lake.

By end of the day, it melts bowing to the departing sun.

—Portia Choi

Portia Choi hosts the monthly First Friday Open Mic and publicizes events during National Poetry Month in April. She administers www.kernpoetry.com. She published a chapbook of her poems Sungsook, Korean War Poems. Her poems are published in multiple journals. She can be contacted at [email protected]

shadows soften the glare of assertive colors
and give pause for the lens
to notice shades of reality
missed in overexposure.

shadows caress the mind’s eye
and swim through her veins.
imagination, fantasy, memory and yearning
paint in light and shadow
a step apart from black/white.
shadows bring mystery and depth
to the game called developing.

—Terry Redman

My card says, “Mystery Fan, Bibliophile, Writer, Raconteur.” I have published in non-fiction, fiction and poetry. Reading or viewing TV have always been a part of my life, tending toward suspense, character-driven fiction, biographies, mysteries and biographical non-fiction. Add seasonal NFL games and the Warriors to complete the menu. Currently I enjoy writing creative blank verse poetry.

In a Boss-pleasing culture, no one wants to see or talk about the possible pitfalls in a self-promoting passion. Especially when the momentum is in one direction… then there are a lot of people whose goal is to jump in into the momentum, hoping to be a part of the winning glory.

Boss and Bill, went up the hill
To fetch a pail of big fat Bonus
Bill said what pleased the Boss
Boss heard nothing but what Bill said

Boss heard nothing else either
Blinded to the spots and pitfalls
Bill fell down and broke his crown
Boss and All came tumbling after

All were left to mend their crowns
While Bill went on to a higher post
Boss moved on to a new corporate
Repeat,
Boss and Bob went up the hill
To fetch a pail of big fat bonus

—Sudha Reddy

Sudha Reddy is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a life-long seeker and learner whose parents taught her true happiness is in helping and sharing. Her life purpose is to decrease suffering in the world, in every possible way. Writing is one of her many activities for staying healthy.