By Shawn Anto
This home of open earth
water for thirst and purified
bone, this home of space
so much space, so many people
not enough to give comfort.
What is a tree but an act of
rebellion, come dangling
the right for seed, safety
in hands, a purpose
when do we prosper?
This home of flooding
earth for enriched mouths
to feed on its own children
feed them to the streets.
This home of wind
sweet distilled dream
here in the street
food, replenishes
the heat of your abdomen
churning worry rooted
in the past, it’s there
in the blood, burning
pendulum back & forth
stirring everything alive.
About Shawn Anto
Shawn Anto is from Delano, California. He’s originally from Kerala, India. He currently studies at Cal State Bakersfield looking to receive his B.A. in English & Theatre. He was last seen on stage in Dreamers: Aqui y Alla. Past theatre credits include The Profane, ‘Gasoline’, and SubUrbia’. His writing has been featured or are forthcoming in Reed Magazine, O:JA&L, Genre: Urban Arts, Mojave Heart Review, and elsewhere. He currently lives in Bakersfield with his mini-rex rabbit, Elio.