FOUR FEATHERS PRESS ONLINE EDITION: HEART FLAMES Poets and artists published in Four Feathers Press Online Edition: Heart Flames are invited to read at the Saturday Afternoon Poetry Zoom meeting on Saturday, February 15th between 3 and 5 pm PST.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Jackie Chou

Flames


We act as if our hearts 

will burn forever.


So why do people die, 

snuffed out like cigarettes in the rain?


The one 

who scratched a scab on his neck

while waiting in line for meds,

dragging his muddy pant legs.


How many times have we talked 

about jaywalking?


Yet there he was,

run over like some insect

by a speeding car.


We moved in on the same day,

saying things like

“This is just a transitional place.”


It's been thirteen years,

and I guess he won't be moving 

to his dream apartment.


I can't say I liked him,

or knew him very well.


I can only testify 

I've not witnessed anything 

that would bar him

from heaven's gates.


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Marvinlouis Dorsey

It's no- thing but a game that fucks me up ya know  and i  can't  take a pic- ture