Indelible Mark
What did a farm-field know of us
That we knew not of ourselves?
Across a weather-carved hillside where I once
Unearthed a geode whose
Shining crystal heart mirrored my own,
We walked, marking the late summer landscape,
Imprinting place and time with the
Transitory innocence of bare feet and
Unschooled affection.
Blackberry brambles along the path snagging
Sun-browned legs, drawing blood as
We climbed steadfastly
Upward, following the packed dirt
Path to an ancient cemetery, as much
Childhood’s claimed terrain as
Our moss-covered hideaway and
Sanctuary of the stone-cool springhouse.
Passing the algae-choked pond where
Our grandfather fished and caught turtles, for
Soup, and frogs, relishing the delicacy of their
Chicken-flavoured legs,
Our every step committing,
Memory to place.
Deborah Sage is a native of Kentucky, USA. She has most recently been published in Eternal Haunted Summer, Literary LEO, Fairy Tale Magazine, From the Farther Trees, the 2022 Dwarf Stars Anthology , Amethyst Press All Shall Be Well anthology for Julian of Norwich and Eye to the Telescope.
Deborah’s work is exceptional. Images flow from her poetry and are relatable to the reader.
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