[Because writing and reading are keeping me grounded in the wild madness that is swirling around us.] Part-Mermaid By vanessa shields I know I am part mermaid when I deep-dive into the crisp-cold water of lake erie my hands stacked my arms outstretched my torso curving to meet the gentle bends of the sandy bottom… Continue reading Part-Mermaid

Submitted by Vanessa Shields Submitted to https://penableme.wordpress.com/2020/03/05/poetry-thursday-competition/ the dustings by Vanessa Shields the wind shows herself by leaning her shoulder on purple coneflower petals they receive her caress push deeper into earth spread roots like stories and so dreams lean into the soft shy underparts of our arms – a vulnerable garden made of skin… Continue reading the dustings – a poem about dreams