Sonnet
by Rebecca Healy

I am wandering off into the sun.

The light is too bright, nothing is clear.

I am curious of what is to come,

My future is so distant, yet so near.

I close my eyes and hope and hope.

The unknown is staring me in the face.

I hope I am able and ready to cope,

It is happening at such a fast pace.

We hear much about what to do and say,

But we need to be let go now, to fly.

After all, these are our lives anyway,

And as hard as possible I will try,

To be the best person I am able,

To live a life unconfined by labels.

In response to Ginsberg’s Howl
by Oliver Trent

I watched the brightest minds of my generation dulled by

Distracted, multitasking efforts

Taught to be fearful of the future

They are trying to live too fast

While trying to keep up with their past

Through meaningless connections and thoughtless conversations

Who can no longer write with a pen without first

Cramming tunes into their ears and typing with their thumbs

Who search for truth and knowledge

But become trapped by a glossy box

Whose worst fear is to be alone, knowing full well

They can’t come up with a thought on their own

Afraid of what they might find

Retreat, disarm, alter their state of mind

Who worship an animated second dimension

As much as a shimmering trophy of a golden calf

Who are not only told when they’re hungry and what to eat, but

Follow those orders, with no time to think

A generation that embraces change

Is moving too fast, trying to illuminate the future, and not look back.