EDEN

Did you think you could win? -
You, with your skillful ways and
Quick card shark hands?
Your deftness no longer intrigues me;
I know your games.
What did you think? -
That I would forever be blinded
By the brilliance
Of your subtle ways?
Did you really think
I wouldn't find my way back?

Oh, angel of light, there is only darkness in you.
Did you think the alcohol would
Shut out the truth?
Did you think you would not be recognized
In those glaring
Lights of Neon?

You, of many disguises,
Have the beauty of a panther,
Slinking from under your rock,
So beguiling and irresistible.
You took advantage of my grief
When my child was stolen from my warm embrace.
The music within was replaced with tears,
Robbing me of my soul
As you played your sweet flute of intrigue.

The heat from your cold breath -
Constantly whispering
The lies of truth and knowledge
Ever since Adam and Eve's downfall
And spreading down the foliage of my family tree.

Did you think you could win?
It is Autumn - the leaves are falling;
I see you now.
Do you think you are something?
To me you are NOTHING!
                                            Gretchen Warren
                                                              1994

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (BLEAH!)

    Twas the night before Christmas
    When all should have been well
    But my temperature raged
    As if sent up from hell.

    The bed was seen shaking
    As chills ran their course
    So I burrowed in blankets
    With great Christmas remorse.

    All thru the night
    I could hear my teeth chatter
    The neighbors threw open their window
    To see what was the matter

    As nothing was there
    They resumed their repose
    I struggled for warmth
    And began to doze.

    When all of a sudden
    I sprang up in bed
    As visions of dinner
    Went thru my head

    I ran to the bathroom
    Fearing too late ---
    Knowing I’d lose it...
    All that I ate.

    Out corn! Out soup!
    Out potatoes au gratin!
    Out orange juice!  Out apple juice!
    Out all that is rotten!

    Then in a twinkling
    I could no longer gag
    I knew I’d be better,
    But my body just sagged.

    So I lifted my head
    As I lay in a heap,
    And dragged me to bed
    To try for more sleep

    New Year’s Day
    Will soon be at my door
    And this comic tragedy
    will soon be o’er.

        by Gretchen Warren
            12/29/99

I Heard the Voice of an Angel

 I heard the voice of an angel

(A PANTOUM) 

(Every 2nd and 4th lines repeat as 1 & 2)

 I heard the voice of an angel
 As you walked out the door
 You stopped to smile
 At what I had done

 As you walked out the door
Aromas invaded your senses
At what I had done
 With your favorite meal

 Aromas invaded your senses
 I tried my best
 With your favorite meal
 With promises irresistible

 I tried my best
 I couldn't undo you and your plans
With promises irresistible
Why did you go?

 I couldn't undo you and your plans
It was just me loving you
Why did you go
When to stay could have been so easy

 It was just me loving you
Wafting home-cooked delights your way
 When to stay could have been so easy
Even though I couldn't hear your heart

 Wafting home-cooked delights your way
 You still chose to go
Even though I couldn't hear your heart
 I heard the voice of an angel