By Martha Steger
Member-at-large
The sun’s brightest rays fall on another hemisphere.
I lie trapped in long frozen night as wakening quail summons its might
to chip through icy crust–just snow a few hours ago.
The raucous pain drives all joy away,
woodpeckers and cardinals are scattered by jay.
The marsh hawk
over the field mice sails low,
but my soul seems to know mice have tunneled away,
food for the long night coming hard this short day,
day as fragile as the sound of ground crystals shattering.
I envy the hibernators, bears, and woodchucks their sleep.
Snakes have no cares nor salamanders in the deep.
I stir my body to shed its coat and spin like caterpillars turning,
preparing wings for drying before dragging forth from cocoon
and spinning silk for someday flying.
thank you for writing and sharing this gorgeous poem.
Wishing you healing and beautiful days ahead.
Love this tale of suffering and strength…and the subtle rhyme that begs a read again and again
Beautifully done – as if we were beside you for all you endured. Blessings!
Martha, such a touching poem. Thank you for sharing.
Just lovely… and sad. the imagery seems cloaked in pathos, leaving me laden with sorrow. Was that Steger’s intent? I am left with the desire to hug and comfort her. Tell me if I’m wrong.
Martha, so good to see your poetry.