Four Poems After Kenton Nelson, by J.W. Surface

Depending on the Ice Chest, by Kenton Nelson (USA) 2019. Photo by author.

Our Daughter
​
She is our daughter;
perfect in every way,
without blemish,
but above all -
safe.

Protected forever in Kenton’s
idyllic world.
Never to worry,
but also
never to embrace. 

Days at Home, by Kenton Nelson (USA) 2019. Photo by author.

Self-Care

The length of her to-do list can be seen on her face - the slant of her eyebrows, lips parted in a silent sigh.
The duties of motherhood never cease, but she knows the importance of her first duty.
The pages and blue skies are there to help.

Our Last Sail, by Kenton Nelson (USA) 2019. Photo by author.

Haiku for Our Last Sail
​
wind cooperates
perfect tack, water licks me
making brother smile​

According to Fixed Rules, by Kenton Nelson (USA) 2019. Photo by author.

Haiku for According to Fixed Rules
​
guardian light sleeps
idyllic sky, dream clouds, healing grass
close your eyes, feel the warmth

J.W. Surface

J.W. Surface is a preacher, teacher, and writer. He is the faculty advisor of Franklin Community High School’s literary magazine, Bear Attack. His poetry and fiction have appeared in Etchings Magazine, The Bangor Literary Journal and on the Radio FreeWrite podcast. His first book of poetry and short fiction, Something Dark and Others is now available on all major bookseller sites. He lives in Indiana with his wife, daughter, and two cats. ​​