Jalen Adams

Free falling

From Heaven,

through clouds

whose density holds no mass,

and air that whistles

as my body slices through the atmosphere.

I am on my way

to the sinners’ paradise.

I didn’t even know someone

could take as many trips there as I do.

I’ve even found some spots

that I go to every time I visit

with the hot springs being a particular favorite of mine.

So, as I am preparing for my arrival,

planning my itinerary,

and booking my hotel--

my body jerks me back

to the realm of the real.

Cold sweats, heavy breathing, and a heart

that’s beating out of my chest

occupy my body;

and I’m left thinking,

that maybe this time

my grace cannot be restored.

Portraits of History

1.

my narrator speaks

of freedoms true to them but

false for we and i.

2.

autumn’s elegance

lies in falling crimson leaves,

lax to what comes next.

3.

white doves and black doves,

symbols clash like percussion,

yet share the same skies.

4.

like jazz my songs sing

lyrics of life’s highs and lows,

my soul is music.

About Jalen

Jalen Adams (@jalentadams) is a student studying at the University of Delaware. He is a Senior English major and Art History minor. Along with being a writer, Jalen is also a photographer. He aspires to write and direct films in the future.