on automatic
By Navarra Novy-Williams

unnoticed in the way we acknowledge days
in the days we have moments to think about them

happening to us instead of us happening
contradicting because we control the contradiction

moments are luxuries
or indulgence

eyes shut
head back
we scream into wind silencing us
explaining why it is so
so on
and on
and on
oh but I do love this
I do I do I do


Fingernails on my back
By Navarra Novy-Williams

I want to dream in a different language
sing loud
no whispering, no how-do-I-sound-when-I-sing sing I can't sing
not-listening scream sing

voice scratching teeth itching

hear it like memory created on a river raft of
popsicles melting down clean cheeks dissolving sweet and sticky

I want to marry a Spaniard
raise a beautiful Spanish girl

this is me singing

hear it

don't cleanse me this orange river
stay, scratch me gently
until I fall asleep without looking at the time


Students interested in submitting works for this column should contact Ron Price in the Liberal Arts Department at ext. 368, or by  e-mail.

Navarra Novy-Williams is a fourth-year dance student.