like you knew that I am a lie
that you could see into my past
and pity mixed with condescension
was my only part in your life

You've seen me in the big picture
I'm the one who's always looking away

I could mention you by name
but everyone thinks it's them
That's just the fall of poetry
and the rise of ego

My shadow stands before me
like grime on a mirror
like false perceptions
like the cloud over your memory
of me

Smith

Cheryl Townsend

 

IN STREETSBORO

not many dudes
could afford
promise rings or pins
so we gals just got hickeys
to show that we were taken

Cheryl Townsend

 

CHERYL A. TOWNSEND used to publish IMPETUS...now she just collects the poetry and answers disgruntled mail from the senders. She used to own Cat's Impetus Books in Kent... where she also pretended to be doing business. She does a lot of photography and tries to paint.