September 2022
Angela Hoffman
hoffmangie@gmail.com
Bio Note: I have been writing a poem a day since the start of the pandemic. Although many are not worthy of publishing, it has helped me to establish a routine of daily writing. I enjoy yoga, gardening, and looking for treasures in thrift stores. My poems have appeared in Solitary Plover, Visual Verse, and I will have my first chapbook published by Kelsay Books later this year.

Hearty Tomato

The tomato I hold in my hands is far from perfect. 
Not all of it ripened evenly. Parts are still green.
It has scarring, a black spot. It has split open a bit.

If only someone would cup my heart 
run their fingers over my scars
the broken-open, bruised parts
soft parts, hard parts
see the part not ripe, still child-like
the part ripened a bit too far, the blossom rot
notice its beat so faint
bring it back to a hearty thump-thump, thump-thump.

Planting Time

We watched as the people in Ukraine kneaded 
their weary souls
lifted their spirits, raised their voices into song
as they stood against the greed of autocracy 
in its puffed up guise.
With solidarity, singleness of heart
it was the ordinary who planted hope
for all the world to eat. 

It’s time now for us to plant the wheat
prepare, break the bread, share. 
It’s time to heal divisions
repair the earth
mend the broken systems
welcome the displaced, forsaken. 
It’s time for the masses to feast.
©2022 Angela Hoffman
Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the author (email address above) to say what it is about the poem you like. Writing to the author is what builds the community at Verse Virtual. It is very important. -JL