The Omnibus

Issue date: 11/4/04 Section: Feature

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The Battle Over
by Donnie W. Boenker

Clinging to the last chance before the lights go out,
Flashes of events past fly by at a glance.
Staying close, standing side by side,
Our family and friends all around.
A tear creeps down,
They begin to cry.
The battle over.
With the final fight of life fought,
One last look at those standing close by.
Final words are spoken with just a touch of fear.
Final breath released and the closing of the eyes
Signals the battle over and the end of This Life.

---

titus and lavinia
by Ben Cassil

we have
one hand between the two of us
she can't
tell of the horrors that have befallen her
he can't
reconcile the waring factions of his conscience
but we
are held together by our yearning for retribution

funny how vengeance works like that
whence the sweet taste we once waited for
now is tainted by that sour flavor
of death lingering in the air

---

The Artist
by Michelle Felder

In majesty the autumn leaves
Are dancing in the air,
To the tune of silver streams
While I contented stare.

What loving hands gave hue and vein
To every falling leaf?
And who's the patient artist
Who detailed this grand motif?

The love and tender care
That paints the evening sky
Is just a shadow of the love
That once was born to die.

---

lullaby
by Jennifer Harris

Your voice blankets in warm comfort
Tuck me in to melodious dreams
As rich timbre closes hopeful eyes
Sweet tune slowly fills my lungs
As sleep embraces contented soul

---

Shambles
by Amanda Kay

Trap my soul in the middle of your fist.
Wrench my heart till it crumbles in your midst.
Hold fast to the course you chose,
'Cause if you came back I'd dispel my soul.
Caught your glimpse in the corner of my day,
My heart fell further as I wanted you to stay.
But the slash you made, only you could sew.
You turned your back, chopping even more.
My life sits in shambles; I cry upon the thoughts.
My body ceases to live in the Hell you wrought.

---

Make Believe
by Nancy Simmerman

Let's pretend it's warm outside
Think shorts and sandals
Find some shade
Just ignore the snow.

Let's pretend the lights are on
We can see each other
Visible truth
Just ignore the night.

Let's pretend the cut is healed
The band-aid covers all
No more pain
Just ignore the blood.

Let's pretend we wanted this
Walk our separate ways
Don't look back
Just ignore the tears.

You'll pretend I didn't happen
It wasn't really love
Wasted time
Just ignore your heart.

---

Criminal Intrusion
by Todd Sukany

While dining in Simon B's,
The incense of your habit joined my feast.

What if I come over, season your burger in sneeze,
and act like my world is naive.

---

Base Metal
by Mark Tappmeyer

Two coppers,
not worth a squat
to the street,
not even mint bright
for a temple chest,
held tarnished
years and years,
then tossed
not to clang
their tinny edges
on the golden pot
but slip unnoticed in.
They got away though
and rang the sides
like Jordan shooting hoops
like Bimmers winding out
like Pavarotti at the Met.

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