Poetry

small life is beyond
mention, or examination –
 
the bald eagle mats its fur
relief of gold flare
bold starburst, a prominence
 
down the steps is an alley
 
today’s west feeling
like broken nails, storm door
brass hinges undone
 
up the steps is a garden
 
chance the ascent two by two
wall fountains at back
and behind them, a coach box
 
its sacred heart and secrets
 
belief like lost sound
how is the truth to be said?
believe me, monday
 
believe me, monday
this morning like that friday
 
mother coiling, silent wings
 
 
* The line is taken from Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “The Mother”. This poem was written as a response to and reflection on Brooks’ recording of the poem. It first appeared in the anthology "Writings from the Heart: Stories and Poems from Around the World".