Rose & Thorn Journal  -  Fall 2009
Matt Baganz was born in Wisconsin and received an undergrad in English and Creative Writing. He went on to get a Masters degree in Education in south Florida, and began teaching high school in 2005. He now lives in Freinsheim, Germany, and teaches at the Heidelberg International School.
Matt Baganz


Sideways Wayside

 


SIDEWAYS WAYSIDE: the exit still

                        that’s alone when people are there, and

            not to come in outgoingly—

                        those happily pursue the

shortcut to hope (cheaters)!

             Others, upon wishing this, will not do.

             You’ll notice, too.

Deaf and blind to

                         much that craves attention… for what?

              Insane, they are wondering

                           about wandering spirits being human.

“Are such creatures befuddled?”

             The glory of shortchangers is

                                       seeking others’ help at once.

—Back-handed blows invite blows handed back.—

             Once, it helped others seek 

                         change, short of glory, the

             befuddled creatures. (Such are

                                       human beings.) Spirits wandering about,               

wondering, “are they insane?

                                      What for?”  Attention craves that much,

                       too blind and deaf

                                     to notice you.

*Do not will this wish upon others.

            Cheaters hope to cut short

                                    the pursuit of happiness: those

                        going out, in, come to naught.

And there are people, when alone, that

                                     still exit the wayside sideways.







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