Truth and Other Lies


Huddled under Nam's deepening shadow
we drank too much wine,
ate burnt turkey, neglected
while wading the Hawaiian surf.

We strung shells into necklaces, 
talismans for our husbands to take back to war, 
promised friendships stretching to forever,
but it's been years now since we spoke.

I fall dizzily to ground
ear the tremor of grass blades,
hear old laughter and bare feet 
sprinting across gray sand,
see youthful hands grasping for 
futures never meant to be held tight.


Pris Campbell
©2002

Published in November 2002 MiPo Journal

Artwork: See the Sea by Stacie Milmeister
Music: Better

See more of Stacie's photography at her site,
Anastacia Art. You'll find both portraits and landscapes.

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