Robert K. Johnson is a retired English professor from Suffolk University in Boston, Mass. He is also a consulting editor for the Ibbetson Street Press of Somerville, Mass., and a member of the Bagel Bards.  His latest collection of poetry
From Mist to Shadow (Ibbetson Street) was selected as a “Must Read” by the Mass. Book Award.

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A WONDER:
TO STAND WITH HIS RIGHT ARM

not even knowing
it’s scratching his chest
while his left arm
dangles at his side
prosaic as hung wash

– but then to flash
from the dark wings
into the ballet’s
stage-bright flow
and be instant poetry.

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LIKE A PRIVATE EYE

While her expert fingers
search for
tight knots

starting from
our necks down,

a masseuse’s

investigation
soon uncovers

who among us
wears the disguise
of a carefree smile.

– Robert K. Johnson

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To have your work considered for the Lyrical send it to:
Doug Holder, 25 School St.; Somerville, MA 02143.
dougholder@post.harvard.edu