s w i f t s  &  s l o w s: a quarterly of crisscrossings

Interlude
 M A Shaheed & Michael Bussey

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I’ve been trained to restrain my
glances, limiting my view of you.
The chances of an illegal interlude
taking place get higher if our eyes
locked.

They may expose an emptiness that
could be filled or another lie that the
left eye had hidden. I knew this all the
time, but I can’t stop the stare, it was
doing it on its own.

Your beauty limits my prerogatives.
My mind has been left behind as I
pursue a private passion.
I think you may have invited me to
a place.

Somewhere I shouldn’t be, or maybe
I invited you? I’m happy my hands still
stand still. I can feel my will breaking.
Thank goodness the train has stopped
and you’re getting off!
I almost asked your name.

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Poem: M A Shaheed. Photograph: Michael Bussey.

M A Shaheed began writing in the seventh grade, was encouraged by English teacher. After H.S. started a column at factory magazine called (Poets Corner.) Moved to Sweden began music moves playing bass in the Avant Garde music. Continued to write for with a group called Muntu Poet, led by famous Avant Garde poet Russell Atkins. Have written and published many books of poetry, short stories, flash fiction and Novellas.

Michael Bussey was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Chicago to study Political Science and Geography at DePaul University, ultimately becoming an award winning cartographer. After exploring cinematography he discovered his passion for visual storytelling. He now follows in the tradition of the West African Griot, exploring the many facets of self, society and the globe, weaving visual stories from his experiences. He enjoys reading, eating and practicing the martial arts in his spare time.