Embedded Files
Previously published in Geppo (need to confirm the issue) 2002. Patricia J. Machmiller served as renku leader (sabaki), with help from Donnalynn Chase. Written by Michael Dylan Welch, Anne Homan, Donnalynn Chase, Carol Steele, Carolyn Fitz, Emiko Miyashita, Alison Woolpert,, Karina Young, Charlie Sciambi, Jerry Ball, Patrick Gallagher, David Priebe,Wendy Wright, and Kay Anderson.
Asilomar pines
emerging from the fog—
our family reunion Michael Dylan Welch
a special guest’s birthday
during the dark of moon Anne Homan
a perfect square
reflecting off its greenness—
polished apple Donnalynn Chase
riding with my friend
in her racy convertible Carol Steele
we dash under the eaves
unexpected summer rain
only half soaked Carolyn Fitz
a goldfish sleeps
by a ceramic bridge Emiko Miyashita
father and son
in a clarinet duet
how sweet it is Anne Homan
they kiss after
the refinance goes through Alison Woolpert
no phone call
yet I know he’s alone tonight
the Pacific between us Emiko Miyashita
the sun rises
over the arroyo Karina Young
bits of bicycle chain
used as jewelry—
we exchange peace signs Michael Dylan Welch
they argue
who will die first Carolyn Fitz
winter moon—
the steel yard’s guard dog
pacing, pacing Michael Dylan Welch
my granddaughter squishes
the gingerbread man’s raisin eye Anne Homan
she shakes her cane
at the T.V., but still
votes Democrat Alison Woolpert
with steadfast resolve
he stands before the cheering crowd Charlie Sciambi
a jet overhead
we remember that day—
new cherry blossoms Karina Young
soap bubbles
from the basement window Emiko Miyashita
manicured golf course—
sprinkler beating
a sudden tattoo Michael Dylan Welch
Martha Stewart sells stock
gets ousted as CEO Carol Steele
late-night film—
I notice all the scenes
with dangling cigarettes Anne Homan
two Arab presidents
cheek to cheek Michael Dylan Welch
ίAy, dios mio!
July gas bill
doubled Alison Woolpert
the Buddhist nun’s dragonfly
in my garden Karina Young
surviving chemo
she gives a whoop
at her art show Anne Homan
claiming he forgot his hat
he waits for her to answer Jerry Ball
Paris weekend
the mime makes clear
his love Patrick Gallagher
a memorial service
for the flowers’ sacrifice Carol Steele
moon caught
in a bird cage—
shadows of bamboo Emiko Miyashita
a ghoul comes seeking
the geode of my heart David Priebe
fallen maple leaf
flapping from the trunk
even after the car wash Carolyn Fitz
helping her with her jacket
she tells me about my mother Donnalynn Chase
at last light
the old soprano holds
a high note Wendy Wright
pomp and circumstance
the snowy egret stalks the shore Kay Anderson
I eat
a cherry blossom
from her popcorn bag Carolyn Fitz
he sends a poem
up the kite string Wendy Wright
Notes:
Verse 1: Asilomar is a conference center in Pacific Grove, California.
Verse 23: “ίAy, dios mio!” means “Oh, my god!” in Spanish.
Verse 28: “flower’s sacrifice” A flower arranger’s ceremony to thank the flowers for giving their lives.
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