The Appeal of Cremation
A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.
release into the smoke
ashy fiery flames
burn the same as ancient wood.
a rising phoenix
or a slow decompose
earthy wormey dirt
breaks down my baby bones.
an immortal transition
away from life’s debt
face melting, skin burning
maggots fill the lily.
inhale, exhale, stop.
which to choose:
to fly or to rot.
Creek
A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.
time, insurmountable and irrelevant
children, innocent and…We are love
able, craving simple warmth in tumultuous weather…
sharp edges drawing silent blood.
a future with… a present without
I pour from a cup filled with riveting ocean waves
sending sprinkles from afar
with uncertainty, may we dive.
Washed Out
A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.
the same force that rolls waves upon the shore
sweetens breeze and echoes arial song
the backbone
brushes a woman’s dress as she walks
and screeches to her silent serenade
early ocean foam carries scavengers
little trinkets:
wind-washed seashells
casting little shadows in the late morning sun.
the waves ricochet
in fortune days
hiding empty messages from above
Recycling
A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.
a looming threat manifests
in each gray moment unspent
simply sedated, devoid of sacred
anxiously awaited in bed.
sometimes,
I miss when things were fun and easy.
sometimes,
things are fun and easy.
the breeze ties your hair back
so you see, clearly
the universe is giving.
‘wasting away’
is gathering the strength
to sink into ease again.
Refraction
A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.
people all around me
are they hurting, are they healing?
are they writing, are they reading?
are they feeling, seeing
the world through which they hurry?
an imperfectly manicured journey, scrolling vulnerability
as complex opacity confuses passerby
eyes blinded by neon lights
while hands
grasp towards what is transparent.
Do you belong here:
in the city, on the street?
or with ancient earthworms digging under your feet?
may we see each other in timeless hues, idle mysteries uncovered.
Curiosity
A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.
wheels push the days into months
learned figures of god to follow
reality left unswallowed
loving hugs to marvel
with memories of source preceding,
beauty lingering
may each young vessel of potentiality
emerge unscathed, wrapped in the knowledge of birdsong
into each coming day and month
a baby, growing old
growing up.
Fatigues
A poem by Lily Selthofner, November 7, 2021.
hunger left unsatiated
by an empty break.
berate the day–
arrive late
to every calling.
a fragile child
gripping heavy wrists
tackles an impossible option–
feel or function?
stagger through the thick mud of self-hatred
reach for the door–
before the enemy consumes.
bland years stink of decay
the soldier remains
shackled to the frail bed frame.
Seven Minutes
A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.
decibels sway,
ache and echo.
overwhelming,
sentimental.
rolling wheels screech.
ebb and flow
effervescent urban glow
alarms the tired benches of gray halls,
weeping into blankets
of cold, timeless boredom.
Full Moon in Aries
A poem by Lily Selthofner, Oct. 2021.
don’t part
from dreams. open eyes
release
anxiety
one foot forward
the other lingers
behind
until the next swing.
a dip plunging in
seek refuge in its entirety
Climbing, Lost
A poem by Lily Selthofner, November 2, 2021, Manhattan, NY.
‘Uphill battles should never be climbed –
alone.
find a perch, enjoy the view
nostalgic perceptions
wander towards the present
where I may seek to take an easy step with you.’
Eastern Horizon
This piece is a loose watercolor inspired by Lake Michigan.
Breath
This is a COVID-19 piece, inspired by the feeling and form of masks.
A Forest
A Forest by Lily Selthofner. watercolor on paper, 5″x7″
Can’t You Stay
Music by Natural Satellite
Filmed at The Heist in Ripon, WI
Created Summer 2021