"Saturday in the Swing"

Saturday in the swing    

            serenaded with cicada song     

                        and the chuck-chuck-chuck      

                                    of chiding squirrels    

                                                I float    

                                    aimless—and appreciative    

                                                of quiet moments spent swaying    

My dog calls greeting to our neighbor    

            rolling her Rs like that old Ruffles commercial    

                        she’s a sentry    

                                    sniffing out lizards    

A breeze plays with my writing paper    

            dances the words among the shadows    

                        cast from sun and leaves    

                                    making me dizzy in the Texas heat    

A paw taps my knee   

            accompanied by a whine    

                        I’m abandoned    

                                    for central air    

Moisture collects      

            on the back of my neck    

                        on upper lip      

                                    around my hairline     

                                                behind my knees    

I inhale humidity    

            yet I linger    

                        savoring my Saturday in the swing    

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

 

"Hidden Feelings"

There are feelings here that can’t be hidden any longer.  

Forever trying to force them down, I find they’re growing stronger. 

Is this a tentative friendship, or the clumsy lover’s dreams?   

Am I experiencing love; is that what this confusion means?   

I’m lonely when you’re gone, and resigned when you are here   

because you’re always far away, even when you’re near.   

I can’t tell where desire ends and where the lovin’ starts.   

Is this what the fairy tales mean when one gives away one’s heart?  

I want to touch you softly, to talk with you and to share.   

I want to say a simple phrase, just “Darlin’ I do care.”   

I'm not asking for eternity; I’m just hoping for one day.    

For I need a chance to show to you the feelings I’ve hidden away. 

Copyright 1977 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

"Missed Opportunities"

you judged me

never listened to my words

never learned of my dreams

never accepted my strength

you excluded me   

never extended an invitation   

never initiated friendship   

never offered belonging   

you hurt me  

never helped without games   

never explained all the rules   

never proposed compromise   

you hardened me   

never allowed for differences    

never acknowledged my wounds   

never tolerated my spirit  

you lost me   

never experienced my humor    

never encouraged my independence

never received my respect  

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

"Golden Son"

Told from the moment of your birth, you’re the Golden Son   

Praised for petty acts and deeds, you’re mother’s Special One   

Worshipped within your family, you learn bold conceit   

Playing games you can’t win, you begin to cheat   

Your skill in charming others often leads to sly lies   

Forcing others to view you through your mama’s eyes   

Cocky and self-centered, you use people in your life   

Manipulating others helps you avoid strife   

Adultery entices you, it’s part of your game   

Interchangeable parts—all women are the same   

Unhappiness follows your steps, even when you run   

You can’t help the hearts you break, you’re the Golden Son   

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

 

"First Draft"

words      

scratched out  

circled   

jotted to the side    

in the margins    

illusive thoughts    

vanishing    

into mists    

never taking form   

mistakes    

creating   

transforming      

white noise   

into harmony    

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman