May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Ching Chang Chong Ching-ching is the sound of a cash register: the sound of money. It’s the sound of an American dream achieved by a Chink. But the Chink named Chang dreamed a pipe dream of fame only to pave a track to gold not meant for oriental freaks, because they were 虫, insects, and an invasive species from the Pacific named the yellow peril and came in terrifying rising tides that never grew weak. - Sappy
I Bet Your Parents Made Love in a Bed of bright marigolds and cosmos. That would explain your innate stubbornness, like when you sprouted in May, too eager to grant your mother the sweet poison of a lily of the valley, which is motherhood. Although it’s not as beautiful as the red tulip she raised, I hope she likes the hydrangeas I gave. I’ve been wanting to gift more. While their brilliant red still doesn’t compare to the adorable pink blooming on you, Look, the carnations we planted have beautifully bloomed. I’m determined to grow peonies with you, too. I’ve already decided that when I lie in my deathbed, nobody shall give me white lilies. Instead, they’ll give me poppies, for the wound you left when you left me: Its medicine will grant me peace in death, just like the peace your lavender gave me. - Sappy
This poem was selected for PoetTreeTown2023
I know I’m indecisive, but I think I know how I feel. I feel just a little confused, but I know how I feel, I think. I think I feel too much, I know. This is just how I am. I am, I believe, how I like. I feel like I think I know I am how I like, I believe. - Sappy
This poem has been posted outside Avalon Cafe & Bakery for PoetTreeTown2024
Longitude To see past the horizon, your poker face blocking the farthest secrets, is what I wish upon a star. No matter the angle, your one-sidedness makes me curious about your constellation of 88 thoughts. Are you a Scorpio? I examine telescopically, but the milky way, the nebulas in your eyes draw me over the moon, and the slightest glance away carries seasonal depression. So before this unknowing atmosphere suffocates me, although my heart beating ultraviolet already is, I’m confessing out of the blue. - Sappy
Heartwarming With the Earth against my ass and scorching rays caressing my hair, I take a deep breath. I lay down on the ground and let the heat suffocate me further. I want to be melted and have my heart become as cold as the soil, unbothered and flourishing. - Sappy
I thought I would share the lyrics to the song I wrote about a month ago which I am trying to polish enough to put on Spotify. I’m currently looking for someone to collab with who will sing the guy’s part I wrote over the bridge, so the progress has been stalled for the present moment, but here it is!
The title is under construction, but I’m currently calling it “i used 2 sleep with my phone”
(I thought I saw you last night)
I’m setting a reminder in my phone for early May (across the bar, yeah you caught my eye)
saying if I’m still talking to you it’s time to go our separate ways (I went home with another guy)
yeah it’s harsh, kinda cold (you were never mine)
but I best do what I’m told (you were never mine)
cause now you’ve got her to hold, hold you (you were never mine)
thinking back on everything that’s happened; I’m feeling kinda down
all those late nights that I stayed up hoping you would come around
I would sleep with my phone
ringer on, all alone
wondering if you took her home again
you’re not mine to lose
but if I could choose
the place that you’d have is by my side
I know that it’s wrong
to feel so in love
with someone who’ll never change his mind
but I can’t excuse my feelings for you tonight
we had a good long while of talking every day
and I’d hang up with a smile; you made colors out of gray
but pack it up, signing off
won’t wait around for your love
now you’ve got her and that’s enough for you
you’re not mine to lose
but if I could choose
the place that you’d have is by my side
I know that it’s wrong
to feel so in love
with someone who’ll never change his mind
but I can’t excuse my feelings for you tonight
wake up faster (I thought I saw you last night)
make it better (across the bar with some other guy)
move in closer (true you were never mine, but when he held you tight)
remember (I said “I’m fine;” I lied)
all those evenings (tell me girl, did I hurt you?)
I spent feeling (I know I did, but what did I do?)
things I thought you (and when you took him home, I called a girl I know)
were also feeling (couldn’t be alone, would’ve lost control)
but it’s okay (now I’m with her instead)
I know you better now (but you’re still in my head)
I won’t wait (I bite my tongue and try to say, anything except you’re name)
not gonna wait around (would you ever wait for me?)
you’re not mine to lose (all those evenings) (I thought I saw you last night)
but if I could choose (I spent feeling) (Cross the bar with some other guy)
the place that you’d have is by my side (things I thought you were also feeling) (true you were never mine, but when he held you tight, I said “I’m fine;” I lied, can’t you see I’m crying?)
I know that it’s wrong (but it’s okay) (tell me girl did I hurt you?)
to feel so in love (I know you better now) (I know I did but what did I do?)
with someone who’ll never change his mind (I won’t wait) (when you took him home, I called a girl I know, couldn’t be alone, would’ve lost control)
but I can’t excuse my feelings for you (I’m so confused; I know I used you)
no I can’t excuse these feelings for you (I never knew that I would lose you)
no I can’t excuse my feelings for you tonight (how can I prove I’ll always choose you?)
(can we go back to last night?)
