heavy medication from above: stoned angels
parading on a crumbling stage like
withered mistletoe tied to an icon
blinking to the heavens while floundering
...
From the four corners of attention
from the seven seas of compassion
from the three transfixions in time
I gave birth to you and you gave birth to me.
...
Ioana Cosma is a poet and playwright from Romania. This year, she has published with Silver Bow and New Meridian Arts.)
Red Poppy Deer
heavy medication from above: stoned angels
parading on a crumbling stage like
withered mistletoe tied to an icon
blinking to the heavens while floundering
red poppy deer was her name she had
a son and shotgun under her arm
she spent the nights in smoking parlors
and drank gin tonic and rum.
the seas were combed the blue-bloodied angels
fled the scene, when they found him
intoxicated and innocent in a circle of fire
under the tree of life bush.
red poppy deer brought bread and guns
whispering a story of violence and guilt
a centuries' old sin engraved on the back
of her left hand like a wild tattoo.
'to be a rock and not a roll' was her excuse
and she went well with it but his eyes
conspired a new silence
leaving her lonely and without relief.