Brian Maloney Poems

I am surprised by the streets of Chicago
when the palm of winter grips them with snow
as if to forgive the city’s mistakes
and give it a canvas that’s new, white, and clean–
...

A smoldering candle
cannot understand the light that it gives
so close to being lit.
It is not a question of what can be conceived,
...

O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at one point as redeeming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through each perilous fight
So gallantly streamed and gave depth to our meaning?
...

Standing in a moment where the birds ride on a gale.
The sinking sun has just begun to let darkness make colors pale.
Sensing something in the air, I sigh as I exhale.
All around I feel the night describe to me its lively tales.
...

The lights are flashing 'cause it’s late
but I’m still on the road.
Here I am, between two dates
a small part of the late night glow.
...

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My eyes are heavy and my body is tired,
but the energy that I have is generated from a thought.
...

If I could word each thought
that revolves in my head…

If, in being thought,
...