Photography © Jennifer Matthews
late shift
we whisper secret numbers . . .
our salaries
Verdi’s prediction
we would all be masked
at the ball
pit stops
filthy restrooms in every
state
no matter the season
helping her bloom
sunflower lanyard
investing
all my quarters
laundry day
cars or stairs
perhaps I really am
a robot
what comes out
of a volcano
bursts of art
menstrual power
hear us bloody roar
order in the court
please proceed to
window two
left chamber music beat
my stockpile
of heartbreak
began at age 10
no words needed
for a violin
to cry
Roberta Beach Jacobson (she/her) is drawn to the magic of words–poetry, song lyrics, flash fiction, puzzles, and stand-up comedy. Her latest book is Demitasse Fiction: One-Minute Reads for Busy People (Alien Buddha Press, 2023). She lives in Iowa, USA.
Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.