Lyricality Blog
Nomad by Halima Hagi-Mohamed
In responding to the implied question, “Where are you from?” This poem reaches out to connect strangers heart-to-heart and ends with an implied invitation to all of us, about all of our experiences: “give it a name.”
Maxaa Kaa Maqan? by Anisa Hagi-Mohamed
This poem by Anisa Hagi-Mohamed resounds the universal cry of all humans, to be understood and validated by our elders, especially by our parents.
essential worker by aegor ray
Sunday Morning Lyricality Guest Editor, Su Hwang, author of Lyricality’s Read Poetry 2020 selection, Bodega, presents aegor ray’s poem “essential worker” in honor of asian american and pacific islander heritage month.
Careful What You Wish For by Bao Phi
Seriously! Last night I had a dream that I was a white man. Unlike in my
youth, when I fantasized about such things, this time I did not ask for it––
and yet there I was in the mirror; high, sharp cheekbones; sensible but not-
too-fussy hair; striking eyes; good facial hair. I decided to see how it went.
We Are Here by English Language Learners at La Cruz Community Center
The collaborative communal poem “We Are Here” takes us from the tropical weather of Somalia to an English class in St. Cloud, revealing emotional experiences common to all people–the struggles and joys of learning something new; hope; the loneliness and fear that happen when we leave the familiar behind; grief; and a desire to connect. With the last word “we,” the poem opens our eyes to the mysterious truth that although there may be superficial differences between us, in our essential humanity all of us are very much the same.
Sunmade by Finn McGarrity
Finn McGarrity (they/them/theirs) is a poet, community organizer, and fair-weather cyclist currently residing in South Minneapolis. “sunmade” was an effort to write honestly about the grief of losing a loved one to addiction. As a protective measure during grief, we can often evangelize ourselves and those we have lost; I wanted to let go of that to better love and accept this person and myself as flawed as we were. The poem is a token of empathy for those left behind and for those who are still battling addiction.
King of Moons by Jessica Zick
Jessica Zick’s poem “King of Moons” intertwines images with information about the planet Saturn, delivered in metaphors and sensory imagery. I think this poem is especially relevant as we slowly re-emerge from our pandemic cocoons, contemplating our places in the world and learning to engage again.
Spring Fishing the Mouth of the Lester River by Lane Henson
In honor of National Poetry Month, we’ve asked 4 Minnesota-based Creative Writing Instructor-Poets to share a favorite poem by one of their students. This week, Bill Meissner, Professor Emerita at St. Cloud State University, shares a poem by his former student, Lane Henson, who has recently begun writing poems again.
In the Giant’s Castle by Lynette Reini-Grandell
In her poem “In the Giant’s Castle,” Lynette Reini-Grandell invites the reader to accompany her as she creates a plethora of sensory treats for her lover. We feel her excitement and plot with her the surprises to be enjoyed. The small pleasures of loving pepper this poem, and make us smile in anticipation.
End of November by Donna Isaac
Welcome to Sunday Morning Lyricality, featuring a weekly song or poem by a Minnesota writer. Our current guest editor is Beth Spencer. Donna Isaac’s timely and beautiful poem, “End of November,” was written on the day the Coviddeaths in Minnesota reached 100. It reminds us of the constancy and comfort that Nature extends to all of us: sky,...