My poem “Daring the Re-Discovered Life” is in the new issue of Spillway, the journal from Moon Tide Press. The over-all theme is rebirth and the book is divided into various sections on this topic. Mine is ‘Utterance.’
The poem reflects an actual experience I had and my response. I am so honored to have my work in this beautiful publication!
Daring the Re-Discovered Life
My friend, the newly minted hypnotist,
offers to give me a day of my life
over. To charm my mind into memory
and re-awaken a younger self. I can choose
any day. At first this sounds
wonderful – to re-capture a tango
of joy, the exaltation of achievement,
conversations or the tremor of reciprocal
touch. Then, as if pricked by a thorn,
I recall the disbelief within all
happiness. The unworthiness shadowing
honors. And how could I risk caress
when I know it will be taken away?
He is surprised when I tell him
No thank you. A little hurt, so proud
is he of his mastery of timelessness.
Over the next few days, my memory
does seem ignited. At unlikely times
I get a flash of Paris or a crimson sky.
I taste the shiver of an unripe seaside
berry. Feel the seductive fingers
offering it. Open my mouth this time.