Greens & Lanterns
~Kersten Christianson
She believes in her grieving,
yet believes in ordinary people…
-Vivian Faith Prescott
Winter’s cavity floods the maw
where skunk cabbage greens
in spring, their lanterns splash
hopeful luminescence
and yet, in the meantime of bare
branch, cut glass moon, I believe
in the luster of ordinary people: the tug
scuttler, with whom I’ll share drink
and stories; the laborer with worn hands,
warm heart; the well-read friend
quoting Tolkien, dabbling in poetry.
Here, I nurture my desire in stillness,
in night-coffee wash, encrusted by ice
Here I wait, for splash of lemon,
of gold, hues of healing
to melt my outcast heart.
