nonfiction:: poetry::
A recent graduate of Bluefield State College, Michele ("Mickie) B. Bruno currently works with the Family Preservation Program of Children's Home Society (West Virginia). She travels throughout several counties, helping parents at risk of losing their children. In her job she teaches parenting and life skills to the adult family members while acting as an advocate for the children.

Regarding her writing, Bruno states, "I've had a love for prose and poetry from an early age." Close family members, in fact, note that she has always been most content with books for reading and pen and paper for writing. In addition to her poetry, Bruno is presently working on a children's story. In the selection of poems presented here, readers will find vast distances and jagged edges, wake-up calls and protecting arms, song above all.
beyond the distance
michele "mickie" b. bruno
Do you feel the distance?
Some are only intrigued by the flame.
Others exhibit fear and desire
Some whisper a name.

Do you feel the wind?
The kind that sweeps over your soul,
or do you wish for calmer days to spend?
In silence, long for control.

Do you feel the rain?
Some watch the crash and light.
Others cover their ears and eyes from the pain.
A few behold a spectacular sight.

Do you seek beyond what you know?
Dare to take a leap,
Go beyond imagination's show
Create a few secrets to keep.

 reveille
You've awakened words which I kept silent
Those I buried in winter's snow.
Some to others I carelessly sent.

Words, a multitude, that some think I don't know.
Emotions, thoughts, a collection
Now bursting in harmonious calvacade
Erupting in fond recollection
Creating a discovery to be made.

Words, some think only syllables and sound
Some think an inspiration, an art,
A power which I have found
More suitable than my first start.
An awakening from a deep sleep
Neither controlled by love or fear

Words which I will keep
And be free from a laugh or tear.

 jagged pieces
Jagged pieces thrown on the ground
Covered by fingerprints of dust and scorn
Hidden in shadows--crying without a sound
Shame and guilt, fear the only memory worn.

Jagged pieces, ripped and needing sewn
Redeemable, but cast away as trash--
Their value . . . who could've known?
Step right over, others mash.

Jagged pieces: once a beautiful material
Brightly colored, woven thread
Beauty and innocence, some thought to destroy and kill
So they plotted and schemed, they said
"Carefully, I'll lay the plan."
Who would've dreamed--
Destruction came from the actions of a man?

See, the jagged pieces lying there?
Hope can help the visionary
Love can repair.

Jagged pieces begin to mend
Pain and sorrow of a memory
Slowly begin to end.
Fading are the fears of guilt
Beauty, healing and forgiving
A reason for dancing and singing.

Jagged pieces creating an Heirloom, a Quilt.
A value, a treasure. . .
Crafted by a stronger, gentle touch.
"Beyond the Distance" Copyright © 2003 Michele B. Bruno.
"Reveille" Copyright © 2003 Michele B. Bruno.
"Jagged Pieces" Copyright © 2003 Michele B. Bruno.
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