Poem 15 – Amaryllis II

Amaryllis II

I kiss the white waist 
of her petal closest
to my face after I 
open the curtains
in the living room

In response 
she arches 
into my cheek
we both smile

Then in the kitchen
on the crumb-sweatered
cutting board – 
a wishbone in wait
dried for weeks
crusted in muscle

I pick it up
consider the 
act of a two-person
tradition reduced
to one

Consider the 
consequence of
testing fortune

In haste I break
apart the furcula
by its silent clavicles
in a pleasing snap

My left hand holds
the longer piece

I feel the rush of 
granted wishes
scramble up my neck
my fingers greasy
with hope

In the other room
amaryllis nods
understands the
gravity of multiple
blooms

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*FREE* Virtual Poetry Workshop Announced!

Please join me for a three-hour poetry workshop: Intro to Poetry: The Past, The Present, The Power!

When: Saturday, February 20, 2021 – 10am -1pm

Where: Virtual via Zoom (link will be set once you register)

What: In this inspiring three-hour workshop, join poet Vanessa Shields as she leads writers through a brief history of poetry, discussions about the critical role poetry plays in our lives, and how to find and cultivate our own poetic voices so we can write powerful poetry and share it with the world. As Shields travels back in time, writers will learn how to write some of the different forms of poems that have been created through history.  By learning from our past poets, recognizing the poets of ‘today’, and finding our own inner poet this introduction to poetry is hands-and-hearts on! We will read, write, discuss and share poetry! 

*Please bring your favourite poem written by a poet to this workshop. *Please have writing tools ready to go!

To register: Register on Eventbrite before February 17, 2021 as space is limited. Eventbrite Registration Link: https://scplintrotopoetry.eventbrite.ca

These workshops made possible with assistance from St. Catharines Public Library.