Another Poetry Assignment

ENTRANCE

The gates of ice are spreading
for one lone boat, exploring.
The captain shivers with the cold
but heart pumps at the sight

of brilliant beauty, frozen.
The ice appears to quiver
to find him here so close
to entering the bay.

Curved and languid sculpture
arising from the water
overwhelming vision
it is frigid diamond stone

The silent captain steers
with a slow and gentle caution
aware that what is seen
is not everything that’s known.

The tips are full of beauty
with grace they rise around him
but what’s below the surface
is a vast and buried threat

Still, the lure of crystal water
and the peaceful secret bay
keeps him steady on his course.
Live or die, there’s no regret.

Chicagoans

Like parade balloons on a breezy day,
they careen and bump in this city!
So much hot air one could take a sauna there,
these politicians think they’re witty.

And “windy” is what they’ve always been
’til your ears fall off from the lively din
but we roll along with a cheerful grin
‘cuz we’re tough and extremely gritty.

South Side

Lakeysha’s little brother
died yesterday
he was leaning against the window.

The rail fell out and so did he
We heard the thud, but not a scream
‘cuz he learned to keep his mouth shut
from the second day he was born.