Transportation 1. You are gone. Nighttime has swallowed The train And I do not follow. 2. Electric light. Reflections on iron. Grease and glass Maybe will remind me of a blank white box back in my eye. I will think of my loss. Yet I do not follow. 3. Not only train stations. But darkness of night... Show moreTransportation 1. You are gone. Nighttime has swallowed The train And I do not follow. 2. Electric light. Reflections on iron. Grease and glass Maybe will remind me of a blank white box back in my eye. I will think of my loss. Yet I do not follow. 3. Not only train stations. But darkness of night. Not being lonely. But electric light. Can do this to a body. More than the rumble Of a passing train. ll Douglas Haney 4. I have memorized Lifetimes rolling by. or passing under a street comer lamp. I have fallen in love With demons and angels. But stuck to old intentions. 5. And l do not follow. In the station Electric light off iron and grease Reflects on all faces. Show less
63 Carolyn Schueller Blanche: To lllusion I shake the tree and harmless fmit I call lnfatuation falls while I pretend Indifference or ignorance of all The consequence that loneliness can lend To mere attraction: smiles. a glance take on Significance, I look for tenderness Where none exists.... Show more63 Carolyn Schueller Blanche: To lllusion I shake the tree and harmless fmit I call lnfatuation falls while I pretend Indifference or ignorance of all The consequence that loneliness can lend To mere attraction: smiles. a glance take on Significance, I look for tenderness Where none exists. affection feeds upon lllusion--l am full of emptiness. I find imagination cannot sate Imagined lovc's perverse intensity And appetite unfed will not abate. Still. life without desire is poverty And since reality cannot compare. l find illusion requisite as air. Show less
Lisa M. Campton "The Great White Heron: Observed" (‘3;‘5‘ , e' ‘ W7. “SO-l i ww‘,_°“.sw” “hushrmfl 5 W. ‘ '4 “5?...” In!" I 41d .7144. “at”! a \ Ln?“ c w (W x, {2 s‘g‘oéfiinfip n'fiffigffi .6 s“ \‘ ‘ ; 02' ’ . 6‘» 49%..“ y. er “s ’9 l Mulll,“' “5 5M mm“ m mu: 4 bu.” KnuLmJ‘, ’7: lung'th 1.30/0 "mu pk... Show moreLisa M. Campton "The Great White Heron: Observed" (‘3;‘5‘ , e' ‘ W7. “SO-l i ww‘,_°“.sw” “hushrmfl 5 W. ‘ '4 “5?...” In!" I 41d .7144. “at”! a \ Ln?“ c w (W x, {2 s‘g‘oéfiinfip n'fiffigffi .6 s“ \‘ ‘ ; 02' ’ . 6‘» 49%..“ y. er “s ’9 l Mulll,“' “5 5M mm“ m mu: 4 bu.” KnuLmJ‘, ’7: lung'th 1.30/0 "mu pk up Pm {at fiejflg.‘b+ um“, (twp; 5143.. . If V'- J-n: cw)", fit MTWW 7‘ “ r". Ike/M, J. 5 “pp, Mr Ll“! ' «MM. ’5‘" t ’L , ‘Mz “Iklz'nfz'm, ‘ "9A; Show less
Douglas E. Green Family Album: Deborah I know you from a picture taken long after he beat you when the swelling sent your insides tumbling into your an empty deadly pregnancy. I know you from the one hand poised on the crank of the brand-new Gramophone (gift of a dutiful daughter). the other... Show moreDouglas E. Green Family Album: Deborah I know you from a picture taken long after he beat you when the swelling sent your insides tumbling into your an empty deadly pregnancy. I know you from the one hand poised on the crank of the brand-new Gramophone (gift of a dutiful daughter). the other hovering over your velvet-swathed breast. I know you from the one-sided Caruso 78's you played on your deathbed touched by the culture you fostered and preserved: I found them, unplayable. saved by daughter after 9“ in memory of gold-curtained tales of old Met divas singing Wagner hour after hour and on Hungarian pianists you tended at home. I know you from the holy words you gave to this new tongue you gave to America David's song refreshed to women of the tribes a voice unashamed and public to your daughter and the line proof of grace in suffering and strength beyond that of the body. Show less
15 I put on a bra and a t-shirt. The t-shirt is yellow with a big black "peace" sign on the back. Pools of sweat gather under the vinyl umbrella of peace. I check pockets for my possessions: keys. wallet. address book. I cram my feet into sneakers and grab my big straw hat from where it hangs on... Show more15 I put on a bra and a t-shirt. The t-shirt is yellow with a big black "peace" sign on the back. Pools of sweat gather under the vinyl umbrella of peace. I check pockets for my possessions: keys. wallet. address book. I cram my feet into sneakers and grab my big straw hat from where it hangs on the wall. The city outside is humming invitingly. It is the sound a souffle hears the oven make. I step outside. On those wilderness trips my mother caught and filleted fish with her butterfly knife. She sharpened the blade until she could shave the hairs off the backs of her hands. She oiled it daily, flipping it open and closed with a metallic flurry. None of us were allowed to touch the knife. "Butterfly knives are illegal." she told us. "and I won't have you playing with it." When we moved to the city. I remember that my mother was always running red lights. She would stop. look around, and if no cars were coming. she would drive straight through. She like to do this when my aunt Elaine was in the car. because it made her squirm. "Calm down." my mother would say. “It's a red light. not the hand of God." Show less
MURPHY SQUARE I990 Editor Assistant Editor Art Editor Literary Board Art Board Layout Bronwcn Stine Lisa Dictz Jon Daniels Bronwcn Stinc Chad Pierro Lisa Dielz Douglas E. Green Lisa Nicoletti Pat Noren Douglas Haney Jon Daniels Karen Neitge Adam Pieri—Johnson Terri Burnor Christine Cou ry Bronwcn... Show moreMURPHY SQUARE I990 Editor Assistant Editor Art Editor Literary Board Art Board Layout Bronwcn Stine Lisa Dictz Jon Daniels Bronwcn Stinc Chad Pierro Lisa Dielz Douglas E. Green Lisa Nicoletti Pat Noren Douglas Haney Jon Daniels Karen Neitge Adam Pieri—Johnson Terri Burnor Christine Cou ry Bronwcn Stine All pieces were selected anonymously by members of the boards. Show less
Morning Joellyn M. Gum I lie and watch him As he lies here asleep. the pale covers moving To his heavy breathing that guides life in. slow...dccp. He travels from me In a vehicle 0f dreams that could be Cold reality. Yet his body is so near with skin smooth and pale. That still tastes of sweet,... Show moreMorning Joellyn M. Gum I lie and watch him As he lies here asleep. the pale covers moving To his heavy breathing that guides life in. slow...dccp. He travels from me In a vehicle 0f dreams that could be Cold reality. Yet his body is so near with skin smooth and pale. That still tastes of sweet, salty sweat made last night From my entrapment. His back is toward me. A triangular sea of rising, falling, flesh With long, dark kelp that rises up from the depths. Placed sporadically. A handful cast down To land where they please, Just as Fate herself Has thrown him into the world to land in my bed Like those of the past who were cast out by the cold Leaving me alone. But he is here now, A man I slept with after two weeks, just like those . Who honored these sheets with the gifts from their -i. Before he arrived ‘ Before I knew him Before he knew me. Now he's dangerous. This is not forever. I will not let it be. Fate help me. cast him into a more welcome bed. May he leave the cold. Show less
Adam Pieri-Johnson Joel Thoreson Chad "Sammy" Pierro Anjie Tonolli Pamela Jean Hartwell committing her to "the home." As of yet. Joel has no future plans for the rest of his life. "I sincerely believe that Professor Mitchell and myself are the only two so-called 'hopeless romantics' left on the... Show moreAdam Pieri-Johnson Joel Thoreson Chad "Sammy" Pierro Anjie Tonolli Pamela Jean Hartwell committing her to "the home." As of yet. Joel has no future plans for the rest of his life. "I sincerely believe that Professor Mitchell and myself are the only two so-called 'hopeless romantics' left on the face of the earth." "'...I don't wanta think about it. I don't wanta think clear; don‘t analyze what I‘m doing here... I'm gonna be impulsive: reckless: and lose myself...‘ -Stephen Kipner and Clif Magnes wrote the song for the band Wilson Phillips." "I am a small. often mischievous imaginary being, but I appear in human form. I am an expert in using spells. charms. and hexes in seeking or pretending to control events." Show less
21 contained a small, pleasant—looking woman in blue jeans and a T-shirt. She had brown hair tied in a red scarf behind her head. She couldn't hear me approaching because of the sound of the wind and the waves, and because she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the place where the sea and sky drew a... Show more21 contained a small, pleasant—looking woman in blue jeans and a T-shirt. She had brown hair tied in a red scarf behind her head. She couldn't hear me approaching because of the sound of the wind and the waves, and because she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the place where the sea and sky drew a line between them. When I got close enough, I shouted "hello" into the wind. She turned. smiled and waved, but was again distracted by something in the direction of the vast twinkling horizon. A dot was making its way out of the horizon toward us. It was several minutes before it became apparent that the dot was a man. He was shambling on the surface. stumbling sometimes because the waves kicked up under his feet and disrupted his already tenuous balance. He took no notice of us. and seemed distracted. mumbling to himself and pulling the long curls that hung in tangles from his face and head. He was very tall and thin. so that the sleeves of his shirt rattled around his bony wrists. Occasionally he missed pulling at his hair and pulled instead at his nose and the comers of his mouth. As he emerged from the electric blue glow. the shimmering light followed him. bending around his form. It seemed to seep straight into him, taking Show less
So tell me Don't wander Don't falter Don't fail me I'll see you You'll see me Go below Rise above Construction Obstruction Destruction All the same Stepping forward Falling backward Rain is falling Yet skies are blue 57 I tell you What's inside What's outside What I see Returning Slow burning... Show moreSo tell me Don't wander Don't falter Don't fail me I'll see you You'll see me Go below Rise above Construction Obstruction Destruction All the same Stepping forward Falling backward Rain is falling Yet skies are blue 57 I tell you What's inside What's outside What I see Returning Slow burning Occurring Maybe love Reflection Projection Objection Merely a game Within me Without me Beside me I found you Show less
52 Joe! Thoreson That's Life When I died I thought I'd died, But I didn't. Life goes on. after you die in a weird, existential sort of way. They told me I had to go back. Supposedly. since I'm dead, I've become an expert at living. I think they're crazy. I'm not cut out for this guardian angel... Show more52 Joe! Thoreson That's Life When I died I thought I'd died, But I didn't. Life goes on. after you die in a weird, existential sort of way. They told me I had to go back. Supposedly. since I'm dead, I've become an expert at living. I think they're crazy. I'm not cut out for this guardian angel business. It breaks my heart to see you. My hand passes through you. My voice echoes around you in angel canyons. unhearable. I miss feeling your breath upon my ears, sending shivers. You were supposed to be mine. Always. Forever. Show less
43 Woman Do you remember who you were? Little girl Whistling carefully into blades of grass Stomping out beetles Climbing cropped-branch trees Your fairy palace fortress Escape the noise A dream of being married Raising children A strong man "He'll protect me It'll be different. then." Woman Do... Show more43 Woman Do you remember who you were? Little girl Whistling carefully into blades of grass Stomping out beetles Climbing cropped-branch trees Your fairy palace fortress Escape the noise A dream of being married Raising children A strong man "He'll protect me It'll be different. then." Woman Do you see your children now? Crouched like fetuses Climbing beneath the covers Stomping pillows on their cars A wish for dreams Praying. the way you taught them "Please make daddy stop Please let mommy End the screaming." Show less
Steve Fredlund APPLES Everytime I eat apples. it's 1976 Father rests his head on his hand Elbow on the '68 Mustang convertible Larry rides his new bicycle around the petite white house. camelot He hits the apple tree in the front yard and stumbles to resaddle I chuckle Father doesn't move He... Show moreSteve Fredlund APPLES Everytime I eat apples. it's 1976 Father rests his head on his hand Elbow on the '68 Mustang convertible Larry rides his new bicycle around the petite white house. camelot He hits the apple tree in the front yard and stumbles to resaddle I chuckle Father doesn't move He lights a cigarette Again Larry circles the house and again is thrust from the bucking bronco l laugh Father leaves Larry hits me The laughter is gone As is father The taste of Granny Smith brings him back Show less
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS Lisa M. Campton "red canvas sandals with wedge heels" Steve Fredlund Steve Fredlund is a sophomore math major who enjoys tennis and bowling. He works at 3M and writes in his spare time. Timothy Sudeith Douglas 8. Green Douglas E. Green teaches English and procrastinates.... Show moreABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS Lisa M. Campton "red canvas sandals with wedge heels" Steve Fredlund Steve Fredlund is a sophomore math major who enjoys tennis and bowling. He works at 3M and writes in his spare time. Timothy Sudeith Douglas 8. Green Douglas E. Green teaches English and procrastinates. Alayne Thoreson Alayne Thoreson is a smart alec who's kind of embarrassed by the fact that she is one. but not embarrassed enough to stop being one. Karen Neitge Joellyn M. Gum Joellyn M. Gum wears black for monetary reasons. Sherri Larson "I wandered to Augsburg almost by accident from Spring Valley (home of Crystal Cave. 900 people. and millions of cows) and became an English major without a cause." Show less
29 their tow ropes were wrapping around their limbs. choking them and pulling them under. Still they sputtered at each other. "I told you not to do that! You can't pull that kind of shit behind a boat !" The woman in the raft was waving her arms and trying to yell in a calming way, "Be quiet, be... Show more29 their tow ropes were wrapping around their limbs. choking them and pulling them under. Still they sputtered at each other. "I told you not to do that! You can't pull that kind of shit behind a boat !" The woman in the raft was waving her arms and trying to yell in a calming way, "Be quiet, be quiet!" They didn't hear her, and were still intent on getting murderous hands on one another. I felt a fury well up inside the empty places where strength used to be. As I stood there watching them. anger seeped into all my little places. I ran at them. I ran and kicked the first one I reached squarely in the head. He screamed and looked up at me. I reached down and grabbed him by the hair. hoisting him out of the water into the clear blue air. so that his face was facing mine. "You stupid fool!" I screamed. "You're dead! Shut up! You're dead! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" He shut up. still hanging from my grip on his head. "What?" he said. casually confused. "You‘re dead. you fool! Stop fighting." I said. "Dead?" he said. "Wow." He looked at his two companions. still struggling in the water. "Hey. you guys." he said. now standing on the water's surface. Show less
Sherri Larson Golden Sacrament She feels his softness She feels his strength wrapped around her securing, covering. choking. She sees that band. surrounding his freedom He hides it with his apathy. Who's the owner of that band. that covenant, he cherishes, kinda? Who's the giver of that golden... Show moreSherri Larson Golden Sacrament She feels his softness She feels his strength wrapped around her securing, covering. choking. She sees that band. surrounding his freedom He hides it with his apathy. Who's the owner of that band. that covenant, he cherishes, kinda? Who's the giver of that golden sacrament? Who holds the other? He's right; it probably doesn't matter. Show less
25 flinging her hair. and was crying. When she got closer, I shrank inside myself, for when I could see her clearly I could neither look at her nor tear my eyes away. Her bare toes curled in horror and fear as she struggled with the movement of the waves. She was bent halfway over in a contortion... Show more25 flinging her hair. and was crying. When she got closer, I shrank inside myself, for when I could see her clearly I could neither look at her nor tear my eyes away. Her bare toes curled in horror and fear as she struggled with the movement of the waves. She was bent halfway over in a contortion of pain. and with her right hand she tried to keep balance. In her left arm she clutched a bloody. screaming infant. still attached to its silvery cord which disappeared under her blood-soaked hospital gown. The shimmering blue patches of light that meandered over her body and the baby's didn't disturb the smeared blood that covered them both. Her hair stuck to her face with blood and sweat. Although she was hunched over. her neck strained to keep her face looking upward and forward; her eyes were wide and wandering. "You can...you can...save my baby. right? Right? You can save... the baby. Right? The baby..." She pleaded with the air while the struggling baby continued to scream. I stepped back. The woman in the raft leaned out. When the woman in the raft grabbed her bloody fingers. baby and mother fell into the raft still crying. The healer. for so she seemed to be, pushed bloody clumps of hair from the mother's eyes and Show less