Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger Writing Contest
Sisters II
Another lifetime ago I was nine, and you were red, wrinkled Like a monkey born shrieking. You grew pixie-like, happy to tag along On blue-sky days in the park, Not…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for April 2022 Bamboo Shoots Writing Contest
A Long Way
Food and memories go a long way From fork to mouth to ties that transcend The passing of time, of life. Take papaya, soft-boiled eggs, and toast People find it…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger -- February 2002 Contest
Buddha Says
Every day I read the obits I take notice of the ages Today, a lot are older than me This makes me think I still get chance To out dance…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox -- January 2022 Contest
So, What’s New?
Everyone knows January first is new To me, new means That sweet scent of a just born baby’s head The smell and crackle of book pages never read by anyone…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox -- December Contest
Firefly Moments
The first time I saw fireflies I was with my brother in Illinois waiting for fireworks It was dusk, and we were sitting in lawn chairs we carried from the…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox -- November Contest
Sweet Promises
Unadorned and crammed looser than I want The rattle is loud, and the promise is less. I like the darker, denser ones But I’ve always been like that Lighter…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox -- October Contest
Adventures In Pupukea (500 words)
We rode that old MGB with the top down, the wind and sunshine on our faces. We took that road right after Three Tables and before Foodland up to Pupukea…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox -- September Contest
Meanwhile
In this Hawaii Covid bubble We are bombarded with politico and medico messages About high case counts, rising deaths, hospital overflow, No go out to eat, support your local restaurants,…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox Writing Contest for July 2021
Encounters
I wonder if local people Shudder more than others When they read Kafka’s Metamorphosis— You know the one where the guy turns into a cockroach. Local folks are afraid…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox Writing Contest
Walk With Me
Along the Ala Wai in the cool heat of day’s end We might see walkers Rushing by without smiles Intent on closing the gap to unknown destinations. Hand in…