Nikki Manos
A GOOD DAY
Know what it's like
to be a stick figure?
Reaching
the
chair
takes
skill
and
thought
and
balance.
Most of all
thought.
I don't
leap.
I
aim.
I check
that
breaks
are
on,
double-
check.
I circle.
I back
up.
My
legs
touch
the
chair.
My fingers
touch
the
arm,
aiming
carefully.
I hold
my
breath.
I sit.
I let
my
breath
out.
Today has been a good day.
* * *
MILK CARTONS
I want my picture on a milk carton.
I want to read, "Have you seen this MS face?"
I'm not a missing child.
I know the two numbers of my street address.
I know the seven numbers and area code of my cell phone.
But I want my picture on a milk carton.
I want to read, "Have you seen this MS patient?"
I want to be recognized and saved.
I want the world to be my oyster.
Missing children are found time and time again,
their pictures on milk cartons.
I want an oyster.
Nikki Lee Manos lives in New York City. A retired English professor,
she received her doctorate in English Literature from New York University. She has edited
Diana of the Crossways and co-edited Transforming Genre. Presently, she is delighted in
writing poetry and works for children. |