As I wait in the wings

Of this theater stage 

I catch a glimpse of this majestic peacock 

In colors of turquoise blue, like the Havelock Island, Where life thrives

Violet, like the resurrection plant 

That wakes up after the rain and revives 

Time and time again. 

The yellow - green hues that brighten your soul 

It has that too! 

This peacock cuts through the crowd 

Shows off what he has on 

Stretching out his long, colorful, feathers 

Then glides from one balcony to the other 

Capturing the professors’ 

Minds. 

I wonder… 

What would it be like to feel free

To spread your wings and fly? 

To have the guts to prove them wrong 

To not care at all 

I long to be as free as he is.

-Jennifer Otero

 Carrying 30 pounds of weight, 

I climb on the train  

With weak knees, tired arms and a mind full of thoughts  

Slowly but surely, we carry on to our destination   

As we pass by small towns and farmland, I look out the window  

I think how different it must be to live closer to nature,  

As we were meant to  

Do they live with less regrets?   

A deer suddenly bobs its head out its leafy green residence  

To greet us, the intruders  

Making eye contact with our prying eyes  

Scared to move or take a breath  

Yeah, I know the feeling   

Above the green scenery is a cloudy surface of white snow  

Like a satin pillow, I want to bathe in it  

Cool water with a hint of white pedals and dancing doves  

Couldn’t get this feeling anywhere else  

That is what traveling does   

It seeps into your skin and the deepest parts of your being  

The aromas, the scenery, tatted on your body  

And as you go on your day, you can dream about a time  

Where you were free.

-Jennifer Otero