together we stood
barely apart
interacting knowingly
on the same level
as we never have before
seeing that briefly
a taste of intimacy
only intensifies
the need to have more
similar experiences
for returning
again instills
love remains
-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
forgotten easily
how it is not the
ripples of action
but the center
of brazen impact
causing movement
across the water
that is where
it begins
turbulent drops
rousing unexpectedly
complacent carriers
of hazardous waste
masked with acceptance
for each wave
over takes territory
identity of the individual
until the original
disappears as though
they were never there
prioritizing the need
to find where it
all began, the center
distorting our world
-Jennie Nawrocki
along the river
the sides slope forever
as the waters gush
in such a rush
over the rocks it rips
the smooth surface as it dips
creating white waves
lasting for days
water continues to flow
within its created row
only few things can hinder
making it vulnerable and tender
winter cold freezes it to ice
making a sturdy bridge so nice
sometimes a fallen tree
blocks its way free
for it may become a beavers home
that needs it and then some
going down its curvy road
waiting for more stories to unfold
-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
greasy sauce
delicious oh so delicious
shall I take a bite
of ribs curved
over a plate
grabbing the ends
delicately painting fingers
as the morsel
of gloppy goo
reaches my lips
openly awaiting
tender flakes of flesh
squirting juice inside
the edges of my mouth
serving as borders
failed without struggle
as the track marks
seem to spread on impact
leaving a trail
of spicy tomato bits
speckling the skin
in motion
while tasty pieces
are devoured within
vying for another bite
before the last is finished
even when covered
in the most delectable
greasy sauce
-Jennie Nawrocki
penaugural 