Category Archives: Short Stories and Poems by J Reed, MFA

Playlist (A Poem)

My playlist has become a cemeteryof songs buriedunder flashbacks of long drives,lip-synchingand hazy skylines. Your misplaced notesstill sing to my soul.Back then, time swirled to a stop,and we became the sumof two notes strummedon my heart, a lifetime ago. Now, I travel these roadswrapped in silence, no music. ©️2025 by Jermaine Reed, MFA Read someContinueContinue reading “Playlist (A Poem)”

Seen (A Poem)

Even when night descended, you saw me,rolled your eyes over the bruiseson my knuckles,but chose not to turn away With arms wide, I drifted between yours,and then inside of you Now I see myselfthrough the easy lightrelayed in your gaze We are worth it ©️2025 by Jermaine Reed, MFA SUBSCRIBE to get updates on theContinueContinue reading “Seen (A Poem)”

“Love you” Doesn’t Count (A poem)

Cover of Jermaine’s upcoming collection of poetry “Love you” Doesn’t Count You used to breathe “I love you”between my lipsin the morning, just beforeI faced the world But somewhere between raised voicesand folded arms,the “I” faded from your love,until all that was leftwere two wordsthat say just enoughto say the opposite because “Love you” doesn’tContinueContinue reading ““Love you” Doesn’t Count (A poem)”

If You Love Me Back (A Poem)

And if you love me back, I will love you first.I will love you last. I will always love you. Subscribe for updates on this book of poetry’s release. ©️2025 by Jermaine Reed, MFA Read some of the other poems featured in this collection here on the Short Stories and Poems section. SUBSCRIBE to getContinueContinue reading “If You Love Me Back (A Poem)”

Love Language (A Poem)

I am a page tumbling through the air,weathered, edges torn. I thought ours would be the most beautifulstory ever told,scribbled in your hand across my spirit. Yet our manuscript of hot kisses, wet lips,and fingers entwined was abandoned by you. I am a page half finished,ripped from your diary and tossed aside,eternally marred by yourContinueContinue reading “Love Language (A Poem)”

Jay Christ, the Rapper Poem (2018) 

Photo from BrettFish.co.za. SUBSCRIBE to get updates on new poems. This poem is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human. if Jesus had been born in the 21st century, he probably would be a rapper  with tattoos, dreadlocks and a crazy baby mama name Tiffany  using his lyricsContinueContinue reading “Jay Christ, the Rapper Poem (2018) “

A Dress for Elena

by Jermaine Reed, MFA Elena’s eyes are a silent, purplish universe with flecks of gold that shimmer like distant stars. Even in this picture faded with age, her eyes whisper a solemn soliloquy she will never utter.  My breath catches as I sift between the photos. Elena’s eyes stretch behind the glare of a handContinueContinue reading “A Dress for Elena”

The Marvelous Mark

by Jermaine Reed, MFA The dash of green seems too focused and deliberate, unlike the birthmark on my face. The mark is shaped like a fallen leaf and bleeds down my throat to my collarbone. It is the distraction that disrupts my every first impression. I don’t think about it often, only when I see greenContinueContinue reading “The Marvelous Mark”