worldwide protests
"Woe unto the world because of offenses;
for it must needs be that offenses come,
but woe to that man by whom
the offense cometh." (Pres. Abe Lincoln)


and the bombs fell anyway
on everyone everywhere

caught in the crosshairs
of righteousness, suffering

aggression's pall; in the ruins
of peace prevented, diplomacy

left us to absorb
the callousness evil

perpetrated in the name
of freedom. everyone everywhere

watched in shock and awe as
impervious arrogance of power

made truth lie and
brought offences piously

Last Saturday, I sent an application packet to the good folks at the Cave Canem (CAH-vay CAH-num) Summer Workshop/Retreat. I hope they will let me come and play this June.

I first learned of Cave Canem through Black Issues Book Review three years ago. After much procrastination, I finally got some pieces together, and with the help of the woman I love/who loves me, put together a cover letter that will hopefully convince them I'm worth a spot in next Summer's cohort.

In the meantime, I have a book project to kick into gear. It's about time for the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to send me a check. Time to really lay out the structure and selection of poems for this first chapbook. I want to come out of the gates full speed. I've been working toward this for years. I can't believe it's finally happening, and I want to make the most of the opportunity. With hard work and help, I'm sure it'll come off well.

The main thing is that it's a step in the right direction. One small step, but a step, nonetheless. Happiness...