Mirage (2009 Winner)
There was something in how she stood, staring
at herself in the mirror. A German engineer,
admiring the sleek lines, perfectly painted,
as fast as it looks.I remembered our life, how her fleeting
whims came before my most basal needs,
gorging on life, while I starved, half mad,
a mirage-grasping fool.Looking beyond her trophy, for an instant,
pleased I was looking too, her smile came
as a crust of bread to a dying man,
sickened by food.She knew so little of me.
She did not discern my love-drained eyes,
or the trembling of my clenched hands,
empty, wishful-tools.I resolved to leave her shining reflection,
and the idea that I might take one crumb
by my own volition would light the cold fire,
but I did, spitefully loot.My eyes searched the treasured-hearth,
passing over diamonds, gold and splendor,
to what glittered most. I took the mirror,
and walked out the door.Glenn Lyvers
Glenn Lyvers is a nationally recognized photographer, and now, poet. He received the 2009 Lester M. Wolfson award for short fiction (2nd place) from Indiana University. He has published a new book, “Glenn Lyvers – Midwest Collection” (isbn: 978-0-557-13318-5). Lyvers was awarded our largest cash prize ever, as well as additional assistance in the production of his new book. Congratulations to Glenn Lyvers, winner of our 2009 Best Poet Award.
We are proud to support Glenn Lyvers and we hope to read much more from Lyvers, and all our contributors in 2010.
