Mudlark No. 45 (2012)

Detail, Unfinished Work

In a river scene
scratched and painted over by time
they watch from the bank as the last boat passes.
Wisp of russet clouds between hills,
the history of desire is written there.
Above their blurred embrace                                                                          
where an angel’s song should be,                                                                                                
strands of lost tackle gently rattle.

Counterpane

Chambray, her mother said,
when asked what shade of blue it was.
But isn’t that a town in France?
Surely she’ll go there one day,
pass through its blue square,
breathe its soft blue air, its lanes 
laid down in the meandering pattern 
called Drunkard’s Path, sealed with blue frosting. 

Her Faith

Fragrant berries of red juniper
she mashes with a pestle
and sets by the fan to freshen the rooms.
Vanishing rosettes of her breath against the glass.
She had faith and had faith
but something calls her like a child.
In her dream Earth moans and turns away,
spreading pale membranes of dawn.  

Stephen Knauth | Frederica >>
Contents | Mudlark No. 45 (2012)