The Telling Signs

The Telling Signs by Laura L. Snyder

I know too much
about dusty sage, the open howl
of wind, and the dry grasshoppers
that pop against my skirt.
This world is scorched yellow-gray
and grave markers tilt
like heavy petals on the hill.

How can a body keep
anything under this sky–a blue bowl
of unmeasured
fire. The buckets of water
drip in double lines behind me.
A turkey vulture shadow
crosses me,
cuts the glare and is gone.
Tumble weed

wheel away. (Sometimes
I ink prayers on torn strips of muslin
and tie them to the branches
to carry away.)
I look down. Burrs grip
and drag the edge of my hem,
the tear in my apron
like children. My bones hollow
for the sight of another woman.

LAURA L. SNYDER keeps a slanted profile in Seattle so weighted words pour out in nasty weather. Find her most recent writing in Wazee, Cascade Journal, Ekphrasis, Alimentum Journal, Oracle, Pontoon #9, Switched-on Gutenberg, Chrysanthemum and Moon Journal. You’ll find her with an open journal in art museums and wherever trees and bears hang out. Flutter Poetry Journal. Inspired by a photo of an old abandoned farmhouse that was intended to be the book cover for The Telling Signs by Susan Moon. Reprinted with permission from Laura Snyder.

Laura and I have been friends since 1978. She never ceases to amazing me with her prolific journaling, writing and publishing of her prose and poetry, even through the most difficult of times.  As soon as Laura has computer access again, she will send me an updated bio with current links where you can read more of her writing published online. Laura’s The Telling Signs has been nominated for the DZANC BOOKS Best of the Web 2010.

3 thoughts on “The Telling Signs

  1. Ken williams says:

    Great find Lee. thanks. I note this is a new way of communicating thoughts about your blog. I hope this reaches you.

    ken

  2. Lee Erickson says:

    Ken, I believe I introduced you or had hoped to introduce you to Laura a some years ago. Next time you come for a visit, I would love to share more of her writing with you. And I would love for Laura to see some of your photography. I know that your images will be an inspiration to her!

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