A travel memoir — olfactory nerve memories of smell for life recalling trauma We were just girls wandering loose and carefree on the streets of Cairo. Of course, we had heard of the open-air markets. It was there we must have a peek. Unsurprisingly, it was overcrowded, thick with colors, smells, and sounds. Sauntering…

Undercover police without a search warrant cause trauma and find zero evidence — intruders unwarranted illegal substances absent children witness wrongs “89, 90, 91, 92…,” I just loved jumping on my pogo-stick and counting out loud. I did this nearly every day, especially when I had nothing else to do or was playing alone. I could go on and on without losing balance…

Response for the Triple Centina Writing Challenge — Sugary juicy corn! Midnight raids have always agreed with my insatiable sweet tooth. I tromp as quietly as an elephant can. I know the consequences; villagers appear, raging, swinging their kerosene lanterns, waving sticks, and shouting we must go, or be bushmeat. Don’t they know this land has always been…

Response for the Triple Centina Writing Challenge — “Tembo, you still the biggest, best smellin’ bull around. You sure got a way about you. Them other fellas don’t even get a chance! They’re a spoiled rambunctious bunch of brats. Best get on with it! Climb up on me. I am as ready as I’ll ever be. Maybe this…

Response for the Triple Centina Writing Challenge — Stress really got the best of me. My curtain call came too fast, snatching away all of my hopes and dreams. Sure, I hustled through life, rose to the top, and then, lost it all. Even spent time in prison. Good grief! …

A free verse — Sometimes I dare crossing borders Never knowing just what I’ll find Often sights of wow and wonder Stretching crannies of my mind. Everything chaotic Nothing matches Flickering glances Unaware, without discern. Refreshing to discover When words won’t mix Imagination elaborates Smiling creates a fix. Time slows, freeing up the past Steady, silent heartbeats Final sighs, dissolve falseness Nature carries out its song

Response for the Poetry Writing Challenge — Elephants In your presence, I know my place Stillness, wakeful watching, tethered to my every thought Elephants Giant beings belonging to this planet earth Wilderness providers, skillful survivors, expressing power, interlacing kingdoms Majestic. Awakening In total obedience, according to natural law My ego learns silence, humbled by your strength Awakening Seasonal repetition, memory serves…