“on entering the second half of life” by Daniel Gene Barlekamp

Photo Credit: Taya Kucherova

the nights go on forever

hallowed, trespass, temptation
words that mean nothing
little then
less now

during the day I look at a picture of my boy
November leaves
eyes fixed on something just out of frame
at night I rub his knuckles
still soft and smooth
without a hint of a fight
old jazz ’til we both fall asleep

my new prayer
one without words

Artist Statement

As a reader, I value poems that use direct, concrete language and strong imagery. I love it when a poet is able to relate a moment, large or small, from their everyday life in a way that resonates with me regardless of whether I share a similar experience. That is what I hope to do--as a mentor put it, to "tell stories about stuff that's happened to me" through poems in which readers can recognize parts of themselves or their own lives.

Daniel Gene Barlekamp is the author of poems and stories for adults and young readers. His poetry has been published by Pictura Journal, Seventh Quarry, IHRAM Press, and other magazines and has been translated into Chinese by Poetry Hall. He is on the staff of Molecule: A Tiny Lit Mag. Originally from New Jersey, Daniel now lives with his wife and son in Massachusetts, where he practices immigration law. Visit him at https://dgbarlekamp.com/.