Brett Kochenower, recipient of the 2008 AWP Intro Journal Awards:

 

Excerpts from Kochenower's winning work:

PIRATE SALE

Father believes that pirates still exist;

and the 79 Oldsmobile cutlass, lime green, town our upholstery,

the smell of chips and pina colda freshener is our ship.

The ocean of trees and buildings

wave by as we sail

across the fray currents towards

the island of yards;

where castaway garments

and knicknacks await for rescuing.

Our feet leave the shallows of the gray

sea, and land on the warm beach, heading

towards a wind battered cave.

Seashells line the shelf walls,

the ocean still breathing within

their hardened case.

Toys without

pieces line up to fight

an armless war.

Clothes with the scent

of salt, waiting be washed out

Yet among these items, Father

finds a gold pocket watch, it's chain

scratched, its luster somewhat faded,

but still alluring to look at.

As we leave the cave,

and are buckled into the ship,

Father hands me the watch,

the pulse of time beating against my hand

he smiles as the ship roars, headed for home,

treasure in hand.

 

 

Last Updated January 28, 2009