Across my back
sorrow harrumphs as I
crawl to bed, sleep deeply,
dreams at angles.
Only the return
!100!of winter.
!100! I become
disappointed
!100!to a greater degree.
The dark blue curtains,
!100!never a sky, never
!100!midnight.
Spiders in the corner, shrinking.
Endless cold with no acrobatics.
!100!What use
!100!is patience?
I am past mourning.
My soul is loose
!100!and galloping.
Mercedes Lawry has published poetry in such journals as Poetry, Nimrod, and Prairie Schooner. She’s published three chapbooks, the latest, “In The Early Garden With Reason” was selected by Molly Peacock for the 2018 WaterSedge Chapbook Contest. Her full manuscript “Small Measures” is forthcoming from Twelve Winters Press. She’s also published short fiction and stories and poems for children.