Callie Carroll

Photo 1
Baby sits
with diapered bottom
against gritty linoleum
...

At our first meeting, you had physical substance,
solid and weighty.
I made note of your presence, -
hooked nose, widow's hump, and your kind, but discerning eye.
...

I spin a new web every night-
repair and replace the damaged parts.
My eyes (too many of them)
watch from different angles.
...

What a maestro!
(What a dimwit!)

What didn't I get about my depreciation?
...

</>Exchange
bland white bread
for the round tang of basil
...

Forgive me if I stare
at the fatted calf, the ring, the shoes,
the robe, ...... the empty chair.
You're not there, you're never there.
...

You returned from the North with good news-
Little Thomas and John found
in the sheltering arms of Protestant parents,
allowing your family tree to remain stately and strong.
...

The stark white of a sycamore
glints in the dappled forest.
A towhee rings clearly in the distance.
A trio of deer stare across the glen.
...

In my mind again-
a tanned Tarzan
inching his way to the top
Rope in hand, taut hum of sinew,
...

You go about the business of your life
Gulping great gusts of air
Emitting an exquisite light,
Lovely luminary.
...

Arms tucked, legs askew,
You practice until you get it right.
With each crack of your skin against water
comes satisfaction, then delight.
...

You lie on warm pavement transfixed
Eyes down, end up,
you bridge the distance.
A drifting glint of gossamer
...

Freckled arms
long and lean
soft and supple
Wiping crumbs from messy tables,
...

(5 Day Old Anthony Attends a 60th Anniversary Party)

Light increases
as he enters the room
...

Why do I remember most
my grandfather who hardly
spoke a word to me unless
...

You want to be marked for each other.
Searching for the perfect stain
to show your love and devotion.
Winged hearts, chained hearts, pierced hearts,
...

I knowed we shouldn't of went that way.
That trail weren't meant for no VW Bug.
But I didn't stop you, didn't even try.
Now muddy ole me's in a worrisome rut
...

Your arm
an angry intaglio
Your secret
revealed
...

You woke us
from our sleep-warm dreams
to lie close
on cold concrete
...

I have decided to doubt. I am
unable to accept belief on
the value of its good, clean face.
...