From the Poetry Master's Archive

This is the poem I (meg) wrote from this year's library writing contest, it's actually about waiting for Alice and Carolynn outside the store yesterday. Tell me what you think, ill let you know in a couple weeks if i win anything!


Judging From the Brick Wall

Slide down the brick wall.
Hit the ground which is
Cold and damp like the
Pants and socks
Clinging to numb toes.
Pull the fur-encircled hood overhead, wait
For friends.

Two women met in front of the wall.
Carts almost crashing they
Stop to talk.
Had they been friends forever,
Or had they
just met?

An old man walks out, crutches balanced
On his cart. He turns his back and his
Secret is revealed, one leg is not real.
Was it in war where it was heroically stolen?
Or is the story behind the
Missing flesh one that
He regrets?

An apron-clad teen trudges
By with carts in tow, grimacing
As they pass the wall and go inside.
Is it just the melancholy weather, or is something deeper
Causing the frown lines on that
Young face?

Look to the right, leaning
On a cement pole.
Thick beard, untamed, slumped
Shoulders, exhaling smoke
Through c r a c k ed lips and yellowing teeth.
Is he waiting for an opportunity, or running away
From one?

Laughter from around the corner,
Says the wait is over.
Hand on the damp ground, push away
From the bricks. Stand, laugh and walk.
Judgements and unanswered questions
Soon forgotten.