as the archer, you point arrows, fulfilling some sacred oathelastic and flying, half-transcendental,seeking mending from thistledown, they bloom brighter than merciless skiesfinding the line in the sand while seashells bleachand the 150 year old banyan tree tells how to withdraw a sword from a backyard stone This poem is a Cento, made from the workContinue reading “The Darts of August”
Tag Archives: tupelo press
Buffalo
there’s something sacred about a canyonhow the land gave way to river powerwater’s carrying works will never be done some majesty gets measured by the tonlips that graze are busy every hourin their bones they understand the canyon acknowledging sacredness in actionwhere rainfall meets land, and time empowersthe water to carve and never be doneContinue reading “Buffalo”
Smokies, 2
Illusion hillssmoke signals further visionblanket memory, summer-warmconsciousness dreaminga boulder for a pillowbattling angelsto climb ladderseverything leaves a marklow-rounded, still-sacredsome of those illusionscarry ancient namessome of them carrythe bones of the sky I love how mountains fade into the distance, how it hardly seems real. This poem is the second one I wrote for the polaroidContinue reading “Smokies, 2”
Pinehurst
Golf townsand and spapines and pubscoddled traditions and legendsaround every corner My Grand-merealways spoke of azaleassparkles in her milky eyesand soft hands arounda pottery cup of chicory coffee another timeanother placeanother south This poem is a second one that I wrote for the photo, with the villanelle being shared on Tupelo Press’ website for thisContinue reading “Pinehurst”
Coffin House
Glass-eyed Narcissus hidingtoo tall for me to see himin his past place abiding The summer days go slidinga boat upon the pond skimsglass-eyed Narcissus hiding its deceptive depths, chidingobsession’s inviting grinin its sin-seat abiding What seeking brings is findingwith a cup full to the brimstill spy Narcissus hiding Hours confidently stridingdistances the kith & kinofContinue reading “Coffin House”
Pine
Padded quiet morning, herewhere life has barely thawed outthe birds wait to raise a cheer to summer. Sunshine appearswith warmth, flexing its new cloutin the padded morning. Here and there flying bugs appearbut the earth-dwellers have doubtsand birds wait to sound the cheer. Chased by needling cold fearspine doesn’t worry aboutmuch here, soaks up theContinue reading “Pine”
Cimmaron
End of the mountains, the end of the line.Dad used to say “the dead center of town.”The old bones resting here have done their time. Now they gaze out at the prairie, the fineendless grasses wave back. A man could drownin those mountains. He has to hold the line until it breaks, then hold onContinue reading “Cimmaron”
Fundraiser Incentives!
I am back again today to talk about the 30/30 project I’m participating in for Tupelo Press, and to offer incentives for your dear, wonderful, generous donations! The writing is going well so far – in the sense that I am happy with what I’m producing and *also* really enjoying reading the work of myContinue reading “Fundraiser Incentives!”
Kittens
The day begins with energy renewedwhen rising sun peeps between the curtainsa lively cycle has already bloomed In half-light dawn with some yawning, subdued,the dozy moment won’t last, that’s certainsince overnight their energy renewed As soon as those bright eyelids are ungluedrecharged by sleep, ready again for funthe lively cycle re-bursts into bloom Nooks andContinue reading “Kittens”
A Poetry Marathon!
Friends, I have exciting news! For the month of August, I am taking part in a 30/30 project for Tupelo Press, a non-profit, independent publisher. What does that mean? I’ll be writing, and publishing, a poem-a-day for the entire month, and, in return for the gracious support of the Press, I will be doing myContinue reading “A Poetry Marathon!”
The Poetry Patio 