The Panther Prints

creative writing

#1

Posted upon a great city wall, is alist of regulations that represent a definition of social sanity. Almost as if these laws manage to separate the pure and the evil.

I stand on top of the harsh reality behind US ECIUEa rameter lt elt) UMM UIaeiCete Cee Ae

me TB\YITa mei Mihm oleic | (eae

Due to my passion, I am labelled unstable, Pee RU newt

my doubt.

My childish delinquencies somewhat disguise my genuine intentions. I’m perfectly

sealed and packaged, only to be sent of

to a corrupt obedience school, where

I help introduce some decency.

LO Reese MRM IRM Ru IRM CoP LeCie

the piercing, yet hopeful eyes of the guilty PEO PRIOR Oe ee NM eee ye) Bee ..and when my face finally cracks witha subtle yet NE AAT CMMNE EAU NM SOE ce OC All the fathers, and priests, and politicians

that once parented me, simply shake their heads in disappointment

Late Summer Rain

Sitting inthe silence

Hearing water trickling from the eaves falling onthelawn

Watching thelast remnant of what used to bea hurricane

Waiting forthe lightning

Seeing none.

Wondering ifthe girl

Who lives across the park

Is home from work yet.

Joe Stevens-Written on a rainy night in September, shortly before midnight.

March 25, 1997

#2

I strike up a conversation with the hand that

guides me to the lake just to surrender.

He tells me that my eyes are young...

and it seems as though I may be done,

for the whole world has my name upon their shoulder. Like a fish swimming in pond where no fish swim...

I am told I should sit down...and take a subtle look around... for I am the only soldier who begs to be out of order, for I am the only soldier out of order.

While sweeping up the broken glass...

I’ve no choice but to look upon my past...

and hope someday I’ll understand my surrender. but for now it’s just another burden on my shoulder. but for now it’s just another burden on my shoulder.

Well sure, my eyes are young,

and they bleed flame.

and when I dance,

I’m just the same as all the others. and if I dance,

I’m just the same as all the others. I wouldn’t dare sell my passion... to be the same as all the others...

Robert Gallant