12 months

It was a year ago now that I fumbled my way here, to this space. I wasn't sure I'd have much to say. Turns out I did. I wasn't sure anyone would care. Turns out some do. And I guess it's for those that I offer this attempt at retrospect: a congregation of poems for the congregation of poets who've met me here to share, to inspire, and to be inspired.

For those who read me regularly, you know I couldn't leave out crows. Or my children. Or a little sexiness. Or a little strength. 12 poems for 12 months...and for all the friends and followers I've found here. Thank you.

in a crow's eye
the sky

crouching by the fire
sorting by size
and shape
the thoughts of you
I've gathered

my son dancing naked
by the light
of the Christmas tree
unfettered joy
to the world

buckling Barbie
into her pink Jeep
my daughter
congratulates me
on my blog traffic

fitting back into
myself
like favorite jeans

she decided she'd
see his dream
raise him
two mirages and a trip to La-La Land
he folded

a difficult labor it was
the contracting, the bearing down
the pushing
you out
of me

Now 40, Cinderella smokes a cigarette outside the drawbridge, exhales in the shadows of once up on a time.

neon thighs
no vacancy

he drank me down
to a lipstick smudge
and glassy curves

across my shoulder
the shadow
of a slip's thin strap
the room
otherwise empty

the coolness under my feet
concrete, still
life