Becoming, by Penn Kemp

Artwork by Jim Kemp (Canada) 1963

Becoming

Foxfire in the marsh leads viewers further
within, deeper into mires of mixed illusion,
to the texture of coats applied layer upon layer.

Fairy lights float through bright tangle, tempting
me to follow those flames through impossible koan:

"What is your original face before you were born?"
Faux-fire, fool’s ghost among darkening shades--

how I wish I could meet you on that other side
beyond saturated green in gathering tints of paint --
Turner’s red daub lighting your masterful flourish.

Penn Kemp

Editor's note: The painting is by the poet's father.
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Penn Kemp has participated in Canadian cultural life for over 50 years, writing, editing, and publishing poetry and plays. She has published 30 books of poetry, prose and drama and 10 CDs. Penn is the League’s 40th Life Member and Spoken Word Artist (2015). Penn’s new collection, A Near Memoir: new poems (Beliveau Books), launched on Earth Day. See www.pennkemp.wordpress.com and www.pennkemp.weebly.com.