Author’s Note: Hello everyone! This is a poem I had to write for my ENGL 320W class at CSU, Chico during my Fall 2020 semester. For this poem, we had to create a poem explaining what our work was/our opinion of the work. I didn’t outright write about what I did for work but more so about what I think work is and the perception of work I’ve had over the years. The title isn’t a date, it is actually ages. I think the first time I first tried an alcoholic beverage was at the age of 14. The 19 has a different reason for being in there. I didn’t have a difficult time writing this piece, although, it didn’t turn out the way I expected it as I originally had something else in mind. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this piece.

2 Minutes Read

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The death-touched hands’ footsteps are loud,
and the crunch of seeds explodes letting out a gasp
for relief. “Run, run, run,” it says.
Cop sirens cannot slow it down
for coals demand for this to diamonds.

Ice in my veins whisper warm courage to my lamed body
the shrieking invisible friends nearby telling me secrets
I have yet to discover. The invisible friends fabricate excessive
fake gold in my pockets to hinder my progress. Knowing
full well, I am a snake-raised imposter.

Chase after the green that makes the world spin
like those silent Ferris Wheels. Step on the necks of
those who laid down the foundation of the ladder
leading up. At least, that’s the mentality injected
and brewed for me to drink and choke on.

“Can I have some of what you’re drinking?”
“Sorry, this is for 21s only.”
“I don’t want a lot, just enough to calm my nerves?”
“If you get in trouble, it’s not my fault”
Sips a bottle of liquor,
“eww, why drink something so bitter?”
Chuckles,
“you will find out soon enough.”

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Screenshot of my classmate giving me feedback.

Manting,

I could not help but realize the repeating sound of the letter “f” as I read your poem aloud. It stuck out to me for some reason and made the whole thing feel more like a whisper. I am also really interested in the image of “a snake-raised imposter” and feel drawn back to that line, even now, after I have read your poem twice through. I like that you did not come right out and explain what you do for work, but rather, it is implied through showing and not telling. This was a good move.

Best,

________ _ ______

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Hello, I would appreciate it if you would give me feedback on what you enjoyed and what you didn’t. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment or email me too! Thank you.