Poetry

Here they are, my first attempt at poetry! I was really nervous at first, but I actually enjoyed writing them. This was part of my final portfolio for Writing for Public Ministry.



LOSING LEAVES

First the deep green fell out
Disappeared or was swallowed
Mottled and faded
Shades of color shift

Lime, electric
Goldenrod wrapped at the edges
Hoping in vein for orange.

Almost as if dripping
Down into the grass

They gave up.



MARKET VIEW

Often my first stop
when I go home.

Past the dried bouquets, produce
slow walkers and flying fish.

To three-girls-bakery
then my spot.

Water is everywhere
shiny grey air hangs heavy.

Salt fills my nostrils
ferries move like sea slugs.

I take a stool at the bar by the window
open my brown bag and take my first bite.

The sandwich is good
but not why I’m here

which is to look.
To see what I long for.



PILGRIMAGE TO KNOTTED ROPE {EVA HESSE: UNTITLED ROPE PIECE}

In the corner
Latex dipped knots of wire, string—and rope
Old cracked shades of ochre
Tangled, odd, lovely
Tied and twisted stuck

Lovely because of the gesture
Delicate disorder
Held together in reminiscence
Sharing space with shadows
Bearing everything



A PAUSE BEFORE

My father and I
wait for the music to call us.
Breathe, breathe

and wonder.
Standing still in soundless noise.
My bridesmaids have already

disappeared behind the door.
Two left I start to feel
to feel—

nerves dancing with
stephanotis and lilies.
The weight of my dress.