http://slow.writerscafe.org/madelinereiss The original writings of author Maddie Reiss en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1776099268 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 The city, the encompassing grid.The rhythmic system of soundThe regular unfamiliarityCalm in the obstreperousComfort in acceptingThe preordained.Replicate lifeThen separate itCut away the excessDiminish to fit the mold In the rhythmic, unending cycleIn .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/madelinereiss/1577495/ When I do nothingI can do anything, if I onlySeal off the senses.Heavy eyelidsPalms skywardSilencing my fingertips.Hear only my internal mechanismsconvert air into energy.Shrinking downI become atomicTo see myself in three dimensions.I can swim inside my vessels.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/madelinereiss/1526051/ We were broken generatorsA fiery charge we tried To mechanizeTo normalize.Greasing every corroded gear.A force ignited, like the combustion engineOf a ’96 Ford that carried me in a vesselUp two hours of Turnpike.Underneath overpasses--manmade monuments.We w.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/madelinereiss/1512314/ First real attempt at villanelle form. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/madelinereiss/1512312/ Just beginning to get back into poetry. Still exploring styles and trying to find my voice. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/madelinereiss/1512309/