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On Writing Poems, by Sandra Crouch

6/2/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture
Creation of the Birds, Remedios Varo (Spain) 1957

On Writing Poems

To trace starlight
through the tail-feathers of a bird
you must trust the tiny violin 
of your heart 
sharp harmonic chords of you 
pulled through ink-blood beating 
even as the first bird skitters away 
silent across your desk
even as prisms split thought-beams
pin fluttering wings to the surface 
even as bright caterpillars of paint 
undulate on the palette beside you 
waiting to infuse your vision with life
you must trust your soul's exchange 
for this alchemy is light 
true as square tiles under your feet 
the ability of a living bird to rise 
from the sweet paper of you
and fly away again into the night
singing

Sandra Crouch
​

Sandra Crouch, MA, is a poet, artist, and letterpress printer living in Los Angeles, California. She has studied poetry on two coasts and two continents for more decades than she may admit—most recently with Hollowdeck Press. Sandra's poems appear or are forthcoming in Rogue Agent, Rust+Moth, Unlost, and West Trestle Review. Follow her on Twitter @iamsandracrouch.

2 Comments
Laura De Blois
6/3/2022 12:33:37 pm

This is wonderful, Sandra! It shimmers with the essence of you that I remember so fondly. I’m not at all surprised you are receiving recognition for your talent, and I’m thrilled for you.

Reply
Diane Klammer link
12/9/2023 04:24:56 pm

Language like this sings rare as language is constantly changing due to media and language spoken now will evolve in a hundred years time. This poem special and astonishing I savor today in gratitude.

Reply

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