Unending Smoke
by Angela C. Kramer

Runestone, volume 5


Runestone, volume 5
 

Unending Smoke
by Angela C. Kramer

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO READ POEM (IMAGE) AND FLIP PHONE TO LANDSCAPE

On the first of the Ninth Moon I pray to the grand lady. I steal
her shoes, burn the laces, eat the ashes. My husband catches
the falling torch, as I knew he would from the day he bid me come
by red chair. I hold my anger as I carry you. I name you before
I know you.  The ghosts quiet as I bear you, but we do not celebrate
your third day.  Your grandmother does not kneel before dragons,
curls instead at the smell–two dozen red eggs sour at your absence.

I cannot hold you. They roll you in straw and bury you outside
of town. Wild dogs eat you; I feel their fangs in my womb. Blood runs
red: my luck leaving me. I cannot bear again.

Angela C. Kramer

Bowling Green State University

Angela C. Kramer graduated summa cum laude from Bowling Green State University in December 2018. A huge fan of warmth and being warm, she loves blankets, baking, and cuddling with her husband and two cats while watching the same movies over and over. Her work has appeared in Asterism Literary Journal, Red Cedar Review, and Catfish Creek

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