Spring 2009, Volume 6

Poetry by Francisco Uribe

Out In The Woods

You came from the city,
To sit on top cracked gray rocks
That are pearled with white stones.

Resting your elbows on your knees,
All that can be seen
Is the back of your head.

Packed on the back—
Nothing but a sleeper's bag;
You hold a stick
With a line that leads to a
Murky fishing tank;

The tank runs empty.
That's why

No fish are caught; that's luck,
For you hate the taste,
But you like the scene.
And in the calmness,
Pines can barely be seen.
But the scent still can be smelled.
And if you listen closely
A Pine Siskin's chirp can be heard.

Still immobile, you sit like stone,
But after some time has passed,
You will return
To where the faucets flow from hot to cold;
And when in bed,
You will hunger, crave, and starve
for fish.


BIO:  Francisco Uribe is a LBCC student, who is getting ready to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree. A native of Southern California, Francisco has been inspired by the diversity of cultures that can be found all around Southern California. Attending the City College, Francisco has been motivated to further develop his writing; and because of his motivation to write, Francisco would like to thank the English Department at Long Beach City College, especially the teachers he has had the pleasure to learn from.