genesis 2018 final digital.pdf


Poppies
Joseph Alcala

Here lies a ground soaked in blood. The clearing is a break in the 

crumpled remains of  two brothers. Other bodies reach for escape, shot 

leads to a young man, a boy really, slumped over a turret. He has been shot 
in the spine. He cannot move. He exhales, watching his last few breaths 

down his back and along his thighs. He wonders if  he has wet himself.  

ing is coated with a perfect layer of  white. Thousands of  miles away, his 
mother is making his favorite, hominy soup with potatoes. 

***

powers beyond the tree’s control have decided that their home was better 
suited for housing developments. Two mothers watch from a bench as 

four, laughs from thrill as he trips on the jungle gym. His friend catches up 
to him and points his stick at him, commanding him to put his hands up. 

bled to death.  
In a corner of  the park, far from the jungle gym, lies a stone with a 

Thousands of  miles away, the leaders of  nations sit in a room, 

die for their countries.