Written by J.L. Caban
Poetry, by definition, is a literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; and, that being said, our feature poet, Miss Saige Mackenzie Senger’s style fits the bill to perfection. When reading, and writing for that matter, poetry, one must realize it is not simply about putting together words that rhyme… certainly that is one particular method… but, more importantly, the reader must be able to connect with the feelings which the creator is attempting to convey. Like the sanguine fluid that traverses within our veins, its purpose is to journey to and from the proverbial – as well as the literal – heart, giving it a kind of life, having the ability to touch others in a way basic prose simply cannot.
Saige Senger’s passion exudes from her writing, as one gets a true sense of the pain and darkness that this poet apparently feels within her soul (as you, my Ravers, will soon espy), much akin to the renowned Edgar Allen Poe, whose macabre, but powerfully enlightening, works lead his readers on a journey through his darkest, most intimate, visions of the world around him, so too does this young, up and coming poet. Similar to the formidably vivid emotions that Mr. Poe elicits, one can’t help but to wish, in dire earnest, for Saige to find her way out of the abyss and into the light, perhaps even having a hand in her ascent, if we could… this is the power of the mighty pen. Senger, a freshman at Howard W. Blake School of Performing Arts, with a major in creative writing, enjoys reading and writing poetry, short stories, and flash fiction.
One of the books she enjoys reading is ‘The Sun and Her Flowers,’ penned by Rupi Kuar, who happens to be her favorite poet, Saige finding her “extremely captivating and relatable.” She is also an avid fan of Stephen King Novels because his “imagery always makes reading fun and entertaining.” When Saige Mackenzie Senger is away from the literary world, she enjoys cheerleading and gymnastics and spending time with her grandfather, Nick. And now, my beloved readers, this writer leaves you to enjoy her work, hoping that you enjoyed the pieces as much as I.
Perception
How much more do you
expect my bones to bear
until they bend and break
until I myself become broken?
How much longer
do you expect me to sit here
longing for the love
you never give?
You expect me
to plaster a permanent smile
on my face
portraying happiness.
I’ll play the game
putting on a spectacular show
Showing the world
I can be perceived as happy.
Listen
No one can hear me scream
robbed of a voice
visible but never seen
Treat me like a human being
Give me a choice
No one hears me scream
I need someone on which I can lean
Someone hear my voice
Visible but never seen
Will this only ever be a dream
or will someone make the choice to listen to my voice
No one hears me scream.
Why do I have this gene that refuses to let me be seen
Soft, quiet, angelic voice
Visible but never seen
Let me be awoke from this dream
Robbed of a voice
No one can hear me scream
Visible but never seen
Why Do We Love
Why do we love
if not to end up heartbroken?
Why do we care so much
when we’re always the second choice?
Why are we perceived as kind, caring creatures
when the majority of us have never experienced
true love, or genuine kindness?
Why do we love so passionately
only to become so disappointed?
The author of this piece, J.L. Caban, is a Puerto Rican-American writer who was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Education from Lehman College and is a Brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His works include ‘Moving On,’ ‘Butterflies in Production,’ and ‘Sapphires in the Rubble;’ all available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Target. – Barnes & Noble – Moving On – Butterflies in Production – Instagram – YouTube – Web – Sapphires in the Rubble
