The Source Arts & Literature section highlights the work of our creative readers. All visual artists and creative writers are encouraged to share with us new works. Please see below for full submission guidelines.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Can we cancel January 1 st , can we make it go away?
This “celebratory gunfire” gets worse and worse each day.
There’re young man walking around who seem to think it’s fun
To terrorize the neighborhood with the trigger of a gun.
The dogs stop their barking, no rustling of the breeze,
Any person within earshot suddenly begins to freeze.
The staccato of gunshots interrupts our children’s dreams.
St. Nick may bring them laugher, but the new year brings them screams.
Does what go up really come down, is that a fantasy?
These acts make me question the law of gravity.
There seems to be no stopping to this early morning spree,
Putting the lives of all around in serious jeopardy.
Must be an extremely well-stocked inventory
For pellets to be expelled so freely and randomly
Seems like this fast-growing economy
Should support a far less volatile industry.
A practice we want discontinued yet give a fancy name.
Seems to be an invitation to get more of the same.
Be careful as you’re venturing out and stepping all around.
I’d rather find pennies than bullet casings on the ground!
People wondering if slugs will penetrate their wall.
If they need to use the bathroom, on their knees they have to crawl.
Imagine starting out this day decorated all in fear.
What a senseless and ironic way to say, “Happy New Year!”
Sandra C. Bradley is a Source reader who loves to explore the power of words, the pits of an avocado and the peacefulness of nature.
Poetry and creative prose submissions are limited to 1,500 words and should include a brief bio of the writer. Visual art submissions should include at least one high-quality image or video and a very brief bio along with an artist’s statement that speaks to the inspiration of the work. The statement should include the title if there is one, the medium used and what the work means to you.
Please send submissions and questions to visourceart@gmail.com.
