my face is riverstone
the bedrock smooth and sculpted
by eons of rushing water
and the dry season’s wind
ruts and valleys channeled in
by the laughter of a babbling brook,
pebbles deposited under the eyes
whose stillness are the pools
near the banks, where moss and
algae rest, green, sometimes blue,
with flecks of visiting dragonfly
the long line of my nose is
the giraffe who bends to drink
cautious, always vigilant
for listeners I have a nautilus
swirled and pearly, echoing oceans,
and a monkey, half leaping
into the air like some kind
of splendid joke
This is a recent poem, written in response to a prompt in the book I am using for inspiration (which is proving effective in getting me back into a writing habit, and which I would recommend if you’re looking for something similar). The prompt had to do with describing your face as if it were a landscape. . . . so here y’all go! I decided to pick a photo where my face is obscured, to let the words speak. It’s up to you to decide if any of it is successful; feedback is welcome! Thanks for reading!
The Poetry Patio 