no such thing

we are always searching for it
we are convinced
it will be
around the next corner,
afforded by the next paycheck,
wrapped in miracle and
happiness.

and it will be
holy and
safe.

maybe one more child,
one more drink,
one more night,
one more line,
one more hour,
one more
one more.

we pray,
but the
prayer
is
long forgotten.

  — christopher cunningham.

From Thru the Heart of This Animal Life, A Measure of Impossible Humor, from Liquid Paper Press. Copyright ©2005. For more of CC’s work, check out the Guerilla Poetics Project.

these quiet nights

after the storm
there is a hush.

a held breath
in moist silences.

after the storm,
these quiet nights
are all that remain.

we work hard all our lives
battling forces
we cannot defeat,

our voices mingling
with the roar of passing time.

but after the storm
there are
chances to wipe the water
from our eyes and
see with
uncertain clarity,
to rest our ragged throats,
to hope.

these quiet nights
refuel us

as
            dark clouds
gather

in
threatening
skies.

  — christopher cunningham.

From the GPP Reader: Selections from the poets of the Guerilla Poetics Project.

CC will have a new chapbook published by Kendra Steiner Editions within the next few weeks, as well as a limited edition broadside from 10pt Press. Both are bound to be outstanding.