Solstice 2023

I greeted the Sun empty-handed
worn out from too long nights
spent counting out collected griefs
from near and far.

The Sun gave me Her gift

of the light I could not hide from
illuminating who I was
and asking what I wanted to be
the morning that light came back 

into the world.

Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash

By Rommy Cortez-Driks

Song Choice: Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me cover by Roger Daltrey

Liner Notes for this Groove: This poem is linked to Poets and Storytellers United Friday Writings. 

To Heal this Broken World

If my words cannot hold water
let them at least not act as tinder
for those eager to stoke the flames.

If I am struck silent
at the scope of the horror,
let my eyes at least be
brave enough to not look away.

If I can remember
only one thing, let it be
that every needless death diminishes us all.

The ability to kindle compassion
is the only superpower
that can heal this broken world. 

Photo by Nowshad Arefin on Unsplash

By Rommy Cortez-Driks

Song Choice: Won't Give Up by Pattie Gonia, featuring Yo-Yo Ma and Quin Christopherson

Liner Notes for This Groove: This poem is linked to the Friday Writings Prompt at Poets and Storytellers United.

Proto-Mouse (In the Last Days of the Dinosaurs)

I did not witness the first strike
but I had already seen the signs
that came even before the ill-omened moon
and understood the end was near.

I did not have to measure
those deep and ancient fault lines
to be wary of the poison I could smell inside them
well before I scampered too near.

The impact ignited the built-up gas
devouring any possibility
of sound over the screaming flames.

And it took no great cunning
to know this poisoned air
would burn down all of the history 

of a once lush era.

Photo by Jon Butterworth on Unsplash

By Rommy Cortez-Driks

Song Choice: Dancing with Tears in My Eyes by Ultravox

Liner Notes for This Groove: This poem is linked to Poets and Storytellers United's Friday Writings.