1997, 32 pages
|
ELLEN GOLDSMITH |
| No Pine Tree in This Forest Is Perfect | |
|
1997, 32 pages |
|
"Her
incandescent collection explores a world of terrifying contingency, through
the focus of breast cancer." |
Backstage
I remember how I used
to feel
about the tracery of branches
how I saw fullness, appreciated new views
the river visible beyond the barn
This fall the wind finds its way
beneath my collar, despite my scarf
and I wonder if the leaves
are ready to fall
if the tree is ready to lose them
I go to a healing group
now
leave the radio on all night
to help me through the dreams
waiting in cages since surgery
Once at the circus my father
and I left early
We walked away from the dancing horses
rolling clowns, cotton candy
Backstage the animals' cages were empty
the doors opened wide
and the acrobats sat in a circle playing cards