Puce, late 80s Mid-summer. A for-free cottage. My mom’s ex-boyfriend’s generosity exposed in hot sand. A tennis court out front. red leather chairs that ripped the back of my thighs. ketchup and mustard. Boiled hot dogs. The blue and red dots of Wonderbread bags. Mastering the front walkover on sand-covered crabgrass. A lake we couldn’t swim in. The boy my sister… Continue reading POEM A DAY – July 3
Tag: Poetry
POEM A DAY – July 2 & Launch Gallery
Youth in West-End Summer, 1990s I remember summer heat rising like invisible smokelatching on my skin as I walked four blocks to Atkinsonpool for lessons. I remember moisture chaffingmy thighs, wicking in my crotch, blue-one-piece-bathingsuit discomfort, polyester pressure. I remember the concretedeck, rough under my knees as I leaned over a half-nakedboy pretending to be… Continue reading POEM A DAY – July 2 & Launch Gallery
POEM A DAY – July 1
walk …how the deciduous trees smell like wet towelsthe elm trees smell like sneeze-spit dried on an armhow both the man walking his dog and the womanwalking her dog say hello… how the constructionworkers say good morning to each other and everyother orange & black traffic pylon is brand newthe dust of the hot, hot… Continue reading POEM A DAY – July 1
VANESSA SHIELDS 