Sketchbook  Photographs by A. D. Winans, US     2

 

A Photo Essay

 

Folsom Chains

 

Betty Kaplan, US the turmoil inside— will showing my breasts help them understand

 

 

Karina Klesko, US my lips let go a smile for the simple will of others I travel through this world alone

 

 

Free Verse Gerry Bravi, CA Facade who said this was me did you hey this costume's not for fun nor this mask without some care this is serious this thing that I've begun you can't know me nor even I cause this this thing you see it's just this lie

 

 

Free Verse Trish Shields, CA looking to the future standing just so my image frowning back at me hands round breasts now old flutter over ribs half seen turning to the side my reflection shimmers maternity days gone I cup a belly empty of purpose remembering the weight that used to lie there not a stone but a blossom, wondering when such love will grow in the flat bellies of my fashion conscious on the cusp of trend wide-eyed daughters? later my youngest asks when I'd planned on being a parent I smile, thinking of that day when I wrote out her sister's name— I was nine this last child, curious like me picks out a few names and smiles looking to the future

 

 

Cinquain John Daleiden, US I Went To The Fair. . . The Descent of Anadyomene naked I stand—as born, unencumbered with clothes, my blemishes on parade, flags displayed proudly decorated with pearls from briny seas— thrust among these lecherous men I dance on waves of public scorn, denied my innocent descent among garrulous men, maligned. a last rose on autumn winds— the scent at dusk

 

 

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