circle the circle
the red mound forming
trapped beneath
the surface
composition of dirt and oil
an enemy to the
flawless complexion
daily scrubs
didn’t help
block these intruders
they burrowed in deep
beneath the surface
trapping themselves
making their home
while the skin reacts
turns red, white and black
using natural defenses
are no match
squeeze, pinch, pop
more, again, press
we must be free
squeeze, again, pop
more, again, press
without a choice
it was forced to move
from its unwelcome
presence

-Jennie Nawrocki

maybe it wasn’t
translucent
as though
it seemed
for everything
has its
elements of surprise
waiting to be discovered
as interactions
are unclear
as we walk
without knowing
where we maybe

-Jennie Nawrocki

schedules fill up fast
the amount of
people and things
preparations
along with events
each take up time
add to that meals
exercise, showers
and necessary sleep
don’t forget
the phone call
office chat
friendly conversation
at the store
include with that
errands and hobbies
numerous parties
gatherings and meetings
along with the
completely unexpected
squeezing everything
is a triage of priority

-Jennie Nawrocki

turns, twists
moving up or down
knobs and handles
allow for entry
amongst various
drawers, cabinets
and many doors
whether ornate
or rather simple
their size is for
decoration and ease
though the function
served within actions
gives access
to hidden worlds
beneath exteriors
aesthetically displayed

-Jennie Nawrocki

invisibly apparent
an underlying cohort
harnessing emotions
gilded sources
few contain
thereby evolving
webs of nasties
into interactions
based on trust
embodying respect
demonstrated daily
forever and kindly
amongst polite
guarded affection

-Jennie Nawrocki

salutations and wishful thinking
begin a force
surrounded by small talk
infused with stories
filled with fluff
based on accusations
for the fiction
tied to trash
didn’t bode well
for a letter
of pretense inquiries
based on false concern

try again

begin greetings
followed by
genuine interest
in activities experienced
day in and day out
infused with
antidotes of laughter
enabling emotions
only happiness brought
to the sole reader
ending with
stuff, events we live
requiring many
more moments
of you around

-Jennie Nawrocki

statements given
based on opinion
causing unintended
emotions of anger
for generalized stereotypes
leave out
well meaning gestures
where individual appreciation
of talent, intelligence
and demeanor
is an unspoken given

-Jennie Nawrocki