Mark Jackley

Why They Invented the Bagel

Because villagers thought the circle
possessed magical powers.
Because the bread of life
was tastier than shul.
Because the landlord always
took the fattest sheep.
Because ”life expectancy”
was an oxymoron.
Because the spring rains
sometimes drowned the wheat.
Because the threat of famine.
And because of famine.
Food was simple proof
God still cared. Bite by bite, they made
the hole disappear.

Crow In Flight

another piece of old

alphabet,
still hungry

Falling Asleep and Dreaming

I’ve seen this film,

it’s better when
the projectionist leaves the room.

---

Mark Jackley's poems have appeared in Fifth Wednesday, The Cape Rock, Sugar House Review, and other journals. Last year, Main Street Rag published his book of poems, Many Suns Will Rise. He lives in northwestern Virginia.