Jen Schneider

On Pilot Lights

The first time I saw a fire’s flame, I stood on the second floor of a third-story row home in my favorite place – my grandmother’s kitchen. The small space … Read more

This Poem’s the GOAT

It is what it is which isn’t
as obvious as it might seem.
Could be your answer
if you’re being cross-
examined for doing the right thing
such as leaving … Read more

Our Ukraine

The war in Ukraine, a tale of pain,
Mobilization, preparations for war again,
Initial engagements, battles fierce,
Crimea taken, hearts filled with tears.

Escalation, the fighting intensifies,
Separatists supported by … Read more

On Take-Offs and Layoffs

The news fuels take-offs – crypto rising, Southwest rebooking,
weapons trading, and lay-offs – alphabets, bladders, and cinemas
trending. The United States Supreme Court claims it’s unable to
identify the … Read more

On Winning the Game of Life

The game of Life has origins of perennial
debate. Tales of Romeo and Juliet,
Big Bang theories, and Milton Bradley reprints delight.

The Game of Life in board game form … Read more

FANTASY

We’re coming
with the guillotine

dear Vladimir

to cut off the shoah
to take back the stolen
billions.

Restore the house,
museum, hospital,
power plant.

We had no choice

you … Read more

“Immigrant’s Mnemonic”

I arrived an alien now.
In a different culture,
will I lack nurture or admittance? I don’t share
religion, rites, in spite of rights with you.

My language languishing as … Read more

Fireworks

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When you hear a BOOM! or a BANG!
I wish you could run in excitement
for fireworks.
I wish you don’t need to panic–
Were those gunshots?

When you wonder, … Read more

The Revolution

The revolution is a rose—
petals blood-dew
thorns in flesh—

in a garden vast as homeland—

dips her petals in the pool of blood
and holds them up to the … Read more