Two Poems by Linda Leedy Schneider

Two poems
by Linda Leedy Schneider

After Working in An Albanian Orphanage

I gaze through my skylight
see broken windows,

select Mexican tiles
remember uneven floors,

use hair spray
think of head lice,

file a nail
see a withered hand,

put on makeup
picture ringworm,

I hold my children
and feel alone.

*********************

Orphanage, Tirana, Albania

A child stares through
a broken, barred window.
Rats tumble like acrobats
as they enter.
Water drips from overhead.
“It was the bombs. Watch
for holes in the floor.”

They find a room
filled with babies
chanting
their own lullabies.

She holds hunger
to her milkless breasts
as cups of gray soup
glaze over with grease

Editor's note: Both poems were previously published in Pudding Magazine.

Author bio:

LINDA LEEDY SCHNEIDER is an award winning internationally published poet and writer, distance poetry and writing mentor, and psychotherapist in private practice. Linda’s volunteer work in orphanages in Albania motivated her to submit writings and poetry for publication. Her work has since been published in over 150 literary magazines including Rattle Magazine, The Spoon River Poetry Review, Pudding Magazine, Midwest Poetry Review, Miranda Literary Magazine, ONTHEBUS, and The Pedestal Magazine. She has written five collections of poetry including "Through the Lattice: Poetry of a Psychotherapist,” Argonne House Press, 2002, and “Through My Window: Poetry of a Psychotherapist,” Pudding House Publications, 2007. Many of her writing students have been published as well. Linda believes that a regular writing ritual leads to discovery, authenticity, personal growth, even JOY. Linda was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize.