leaf – shannon p. laws

Poem: The Reach

Clings to a rock Root suckles at soil Leaf stretches for warmth. Where moss can grow Footholds of green Press on gray. Love’s caress breathes your scent Stuck to you as bark along the branch. Wood, too wet to burn Smokes out the flies —Noisy pests that seek blood. *** *inspired by trees growingContinueContinue reading “Poem: The Reach”

Little Words

This morning I am thinking about a friend I use to know, when I lived in a different town. I’ll call her “N”. N has brain damage caused by an accident and a stroke. I do not know how or when she got it; I never asked. N has a speech tick, which means sheContinueContinue reading “Little Words”

Poem: Tempest

Miranda, the Tempest, 1916by John William WaterhouseThis morning the sky changed. Wind from a differentdirection cast surprise upon and stirred up curiosityTrees above sway to the song of Fall, make for a lovely dance to sing toBelow, wind combs threw underbrush, grabs the recently fallen,blows them into whirlwindsNorthern Gale, breathe on me, release from me deadContinueContinue reading “Poem: Tempest”

Poetry: Leaf Tattoo

LEAF TATTOOCan you feel itIn my cityThe changing airas wind folds in fall’s cool weather.Orange leaves land onthe sidewalks of Holly Street.No worms to dance them back to soil.Cement laden, laid upon the roadside in random patternsleave a tattoo, imprint to the stone.Five pointed star, a Tree Hand pressed by feet and rainbleed the orange ink for allContinueContinue reading “Poetry: Leaf Tattoo”