Spring 2009, Volume 6

Poetry by Megan Doherty

At a Glance

Lydia sits nervously on the edge.  Her bony frame weighs little.  Shakes the red BIC lighter, holds it up to the light.   Someone calls her name.  Asks her to share. 

Lydia cocks her head and laughs.  Pulls on her pony tail. “I joke around a lot but I take this program seriously.  I know about jails.  I know about prisons.  What I want to do is get straight with the law.  Here I have a chance.  No one to watch me taking a shower…or a shit.  I’m just 24.  I want to get straight with the law…not have anyone watch me take a shower or worse.  I don’t want to have to smell my shit.  I don’t want to smell anyone else’s shit.” 

Lydia spills the water glass near her foot. Is handed a couple of paper towels.  She gets down on her knees and allows others to help her wipe it all away.


BIO:  Megan Doherty, a peace activist, has been published by the California Quarterly. She attends poetry groups and has recently completed two books of poetry which are, as yet, unpublished. As a member of Tebot Bach's Poetry and Healing Committee, she brings creative writing workshops to homeless shelters in Southern California.