In order to view this poem with the line breaks the author intended, we suggest reading it on a computer screen or in landscape orientation on your phone or tablet.

mr raven

is born with wings
five fingers no thumbs
while studying at
the university of alabama
his wife types
his thesis on the work of
william shakespeare

moss hangs on tree limbs
in florida at auburndale high where
mr raven begins teaching seniors
he tells us these stories of home life
one morning his son falls
against the corner of a coffee table
knocking two front teeth
completely out and unbelievably
he does it again
in the same place punching out
two more front teeth

in moonlight past calm lakes
actors from new york companies
perform here in community colleges
plays mr raven reads aloud in class
three immortal plays by shakespeare
explaining nuances in every word
how words change over time
in reference and meaning
and mr raven gives us free tickets
and helps me learn about creativity

—
Victor Pearn won a Colorado University contest for his poem “One Year of Grace.” HIs poem “Living Inside Confucius Wall” was translated to Mandarin and published in China. In December of 2023, he published an autobiography, SWINGING AWAY: A Celebration. His newest book, a collection of poems, is titled Essay on Water (Indian Paintbrush Poets, 2025). He writes in Long Beach, CA.

Know anyone who might appreciate reading Victor’s poem?
Why not share the link to this page?

Click here to return to the Table of Contents.