Poems

In “Morning in History Park,” Samantha Lê reflects on the poignant absence of her Poet Father amidst a backdrop of loneliness and longing. Through vivid imagery, she explores themes of desperation, love, and the quest for connection, illustrating the struggles of identity and expression. Read more

Samantha Lê presents a poignant image of a woman engaging in mundane chores, using a broom that symbolizes her struggles and emotional weight. As she sweeps, the repetitive motion reflects her inner turmoil, with the act of cleaning serving as a metaphor for her limited existence and desires. Read more

In this intimate poem, consisting of two triolets, the speaker expresses a deep desire for shared moments with a loved one. They long for lazy Sundays filled with affection and playful interactions, highlighting the beauty of vulnerability and connection in their relationship. The imagery evokes warmth, a sense of togetherness. Read more

On a late train, a conversation about intimate subjects leads to a sensual encounter between two strangers. The vivid imagery captures a moment of longing and connection, but ultimately, the speaker departs alone at Jack London Square, reflecting on the bittersweet experience during his walk home as the city sleeps. Read more

The poem captures a struggle between the harsh realities of life in a desert war zone and deep personal longing for connection and home. It expresses a profound sense of loss, juxtaposing memories of laughter and camaraderie with the trauma of violence and separation, ultimately reflecting on love as a guiding light amid chaos. Read more

Samantha Lê’s poem blends whimsical language with a plea for genuine masculinity. It critiques chaotic personalities and emphasizes urgent help, likening it to misplacing a flaky croissant in a microwave. The piece juxtaposes absurd imagery against a backdrop of deeper reflections on identity and manhood. Read more

This poem’s imagery evokes a sense of melancholy and imaginative landscapes. Read more

This poem by Samantha Lê reflects on a rainy morning, using vivid imagery to convey themes of transience and observation. Elements like colored rain and faded shapes evoke feelings of loss and the passage of time, while the absence of the conductor’s whistle underscores a sense of abandonment and change in the environment. Read more

This poem captures a scene in a bar where old-timers share memories amid contrasting youthful disconnection, a blend of nostalgia and sorrow, reflecting the generational gap. The setting becomes a metaphor for life’s burdens and unspoken stories. Inspired by a photo taken by a friend of a bar in Okinawa. Read more

In her reflective piece, Samantha Lê explores the juxtaposition of personal identity and the allure of an alternate existence. She vividly describes a desire to escape reality, using imagery of beauty and confinement, ultimately contemplating fleeting moments of life while embracing a new, potentially permanent holiday persona. Read more