JC REILLY

WHEN SPEECH DOES NOT SUFFICE

say not the tale has meaning

the toadstool knows far better than that

say not there is only now

the lake kneels     like a penitent at the prayer rail

say not that truth reigns free

April’s moon sits in the corner     casting long glances

say not the sudden, odd curse

pelicans plunder the waves for mossbunkers

say not  what has gone missing can be found again

skeletons of skinks, squirrels, and doves    hold court

say not a plan exists

the stones will always cast the ants in shade

say not our love is ash

it sprouted like a walnut tree from my throat

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JC REILLY IS THE AUTHOR OF SEVERAL BOOKS, MOST RECENTLY AMO E CANTO, WHICH WON THE SOW'S EAR POETRY PRIZE. WHEN SHE'S NOT WRITING, SHE CROCHETS, PLAYS TENNIS, OR PRACTICES HER ITALIAN. FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER @AISHATONU, OR FOLLOW HER CATS ON INSTA, @JC.REILLY.