Author Archives: Shannon Laws

Poem: Four Corners of Ignorance

This Labor Day weekend I share a poem and remember one of the more unusual gigs I was offered. The parade was going to be canceled that year due to no organizer. A non-profit decided to organize it at the last moment. However, the regular, seasoned professional female host was out of the country. The city needed a female host— immediately. Could I messure up to the task?

Poem: Body of Wood

Here is another poem in my series “Unpublished”. These are poems that have never been published and I will probably never publish. They don’t appear to have what it takes for one reason or another. However, they are special to me. Perhaps marking a unique event or moment of realization.

Master of Disguise

At the same time, what I can only imagine is a full-out attack from the Nigerian scammer army, I began to get 6-8 chat requests from people unknown to me a day. Men, really good-looking, age-appropriate men attempted to chat me up. How nice. It must be my new night cream. A response gives the stranger access to your account. In other words, you are in a fortified castle and lowering the gate, inviting the enemy to come in for a sitdown and biscuits.

Eyes Open

One night after the open mic, we took note and began to speculate who these mysterious people could be.  What was their story? Did they know each other?  Were they once married?  My favorite theory was it was God, curious about the Bellingham Poetry scene. 

Poem: Long Kiss Goodbye

I see a fish on a platter
in the center of my table
garnished with onions, lemons
a cut of dill and salt
The first cut into its flakey flesh,
soft bones gently come out from hiding
between the sedimentary chunks
and gems of peppercorn

Nosy Nostalgia

Typically I would find a booth, and hang out with a book, notepaper, and pen. Read, eat, and write. …and listen. My confession to the faithful 67 followers, I am nosy. I enjoy listening to the way people talk to each other, the rhythms, the tone. Two poems came out of this “hobby”. I’d like to share them with you today.