MOM

In a flash you were gone mom

before I could say goodbye.

Though when I start to miss you

I look up to the sky.

I know that’s where you’ll be mom

when you’re looking down on me.

You’ll then be able to see

I’m being all I can be.

Though you’re not here to guide me mom

I think I’m doing alright.

I’m getting by in life

with all my strength and might.

I gave a speech in school mom

and the teacher said “real good.”

It brought tears to everyone’s eyes

but I knew it would.

I easily won the contest mom

so I stood and bowed.

I wish you could have seen it

you would have been so proud.

As I’m getting older mom

I’m beginning to understand.

You’ll be there when I need you

You’ll be my helping hand.

I will never forget you mom

you’re always in my heart.

So I promise you

we’ll never ever part.

But don’t worry about me mom

I’m telling you I’ll be fine.

That day will come soon

when you put your hand in mine.

When my life has ended mom

we will be together.

But until that day comes

It may seem like forever.

Please do me one favor mom

and help me through the years.

My life is still to come

full of happiness and tears.

I really do miss you mom

I know you know I love you.

Until we meet in heaven

I know you love me too.

-Kristen Swensson

RAGS TO RICHES

Rags to riches, dreams of bitches. The money man will fulfill their wishes. Came with nothing, grabbed what they could. Never knowing the power they’d gain, to them each man is the same. A player to beat in a player’s game. Why can’t the rich man foresee his pain? The little man knows what he’s missing. But does he want it, what he can’t have. He will until he sees that’s not what life is. Unfortunately he’ll fall right into the trap of wishing and yearning for the bullshit crap. K-mart kickers to Fendi glasses, a step most will never see. Only those who think they are something they are not. Day after day, minute after minute we move through life like there’s a forever tomorrow. If only we could see the stream protruding through our chest leading us to the best. The best of us we wish we could be; something only outsiders can see. You can tell a man is skin is blue, even if it is, he’ll never believe you. The flashy cars and shiny rims, the leather coats and designer totes. All rushing in separate directions never acknowledging those who share these streets everyday. The bright lights and flickering signs, all a reflection of the times. Only we never realize that those we ignore daily may be the very people saving our lives tomorrow. A phone attached to every ear, exchanging words, every love and fear.

It’s those who have nothing that see everything. they step back and watch the world. They sense the pain and hopes as people walk by. They smell the stink of reality while those who can afford the nose plugs drink their martinis. But why? In the end we all die alone. Even if someone holds your hand in the dying hour, they end up only holding the hand of a machine that once held a soul that portrayed an individual the hand holder wanted to know. Whether you live everyday like a saint or a thief, people will only remember the memories they want to. And those memories belong only to the beholder.

-Kristen Swensson