this long road
mud and muck
our feet pull themselves
into next steps so many
sharp curves, cliffs paths
leading nowhere but
decay and sorrow
the wrecked poor working
out ways to eke out a living
fighting over nickels and dimes
showing off their latest purchase
why did we dream up fine
endings as we spun our days?
how could we ever believe
that delusion? listening to
cats howling at night, seeing
flowers die at first frost
there is only constant hunger
that stabbing pain in our bellies
which makes us join long lines
for this bitter harvest of our lives
Joan McNerney has been the recipient of three scholarships. She has recited
her work at the National Arts Club, New York City, State University of New York,
Oneonta, McNay Art Institute, San Antonio and the University of Houston,
Texas, Published worldwide in over thirty five countries, her work has appeared
in literary publications too numerous to mention. Four Best of the Net
nominations have been awarded to her. The Muse in Miniature, Love Poems for
Michael and At Work are available on Amazon.com A new release entitled Light
& Shadow explores the recent historic COVID pandemic.
Fixator Press 