It’s so fragile
anything can kill it—
one cold night,
the smoking chimney
too far off in the distance,
another drought,
everyone at the table
either drunk or estranged;
but like a fisted bud,
it rides out even the deluge
that bends bough to ground,
and so persists—sometimes unsure,
like leaves curling and uncurling
outside the staking cage,
or blind as a root-plunge
that draws sap to stem. Like blood
to a muscle, it moves inside you,
a shadow as fickle as desire is,
yet ready to embrace you
if you would just turn around.
–Cheryl Snell
This poem came to me by way of Autumn Sky Poetry, an online poetry publication.
About the author: Cheryl and her sister Janet have written over ten books of fiction, poetry, and art. Recently they won the 2008 Lopside Press Chapbook Competition for Prisoner’s Dilemma, poetry and art inspired by game theory. The two women run Scattered Light Publications, a micro press.
Wonderful poem! Poetry and art inspired by game theory: That I will have to check out. Thank you.
Very good, i really enjoyed this.
Lovely poem.
What a lovely surprise! Thank you for posting my poem.
Cheryl
So honored to have you stop in Cheryl. As you can see, many responded to your piece. I hope to encounter more.