The term “palindrome” is derived from two Greek words, palin (meaning again) and dromos (which means way, or direction). It is defined as a number, word, sentence, symbol, or even a sign that can be read forward as well as backward, or in reverse order with differing effects and meanings. Palindrome poems should be read from top to bottom and then again from bottom to top. With each reading, the meaning of the piece changes in some way.
to be happy
I’m happy
but the truth is
and I know it sounds crazy
but I can’t shake this feeling
that I’m totally alone
I used to always feel
that things will get better
it’s enough to see
the silver lining
but I forgot to take a glimpse at
all that hurt me in the past
it’s foolish to hold onto
this hope
all I think about is
how it takes up too much space in my heart
I want to forget the pain that led me here and
I want to move on
I used to say this but now I accept that
I’m not happy
there’s still hope beneath the words
I’ll never move forward (it’s pathetic, really)
how naive is that feeling that
everything will be alright
you say things can change for the better
when I allow myself to listen
when I read between the lines
it all gets much more clear
to end up on top and
see it differently
all I had to do was
start from the bottom
(*Now read from bottom to top)
The Sun By: Giulia Zielinkski
The sun will rise again
Times may seem dark but remember
There’s always a light to come
It won’t be like this forever and remember
You can make it through
If you just stay strong and keep your chin up
You will be able to outstand all odds
Just to remind those who feel like it’s impossible
(*Now read from bottom to top)
Social Media By: Haley McNish
I’ll never be good enough.
Tears stain my face.
My thumbs hurt.
My eyes burn.
There is too much beauty.
Tall expectations tower above, casting dark shadows on my face.
My heart is heavy.
It’s not enough.
The screen lights my face, subtly, with a faint orange glow.
I color and brighten and saturate my soul.
I smile.
I scroll.
I like.
I blend in.
Maybe I am good enough.
(*Now read from bottom to top)
Can You Hear Me? By: Shannon Silverthorne
Hello? Can you hear me?
I opened my eyes and saw
nothing. A string of
fluorescent lights clinging to a
cold, white ceiling. A face,
above me. Plastic goggles. White
coat. Cool metal under my
back. The face above me
smiled. I closed my eyes and saw
everything.
——————
I closed my eyes and saw
everything. The face above me
smiled. Cool metal under my
back. White
coat. Plastic goggles. A face,
above me. A string of
fluorescent lights clinging to a
cold, white ceiling. I closed my eyes and saw everything.
Hello? Can you hear me?
