“Into the Weeds” © Sally Brown

 

I am burned

reddened flesh on fire
with harsh words sent
to blistered senses

eyes closed, I cannot
cover my ears, lest I be
seen not to listen –

the tirade hits, knife
wounds this body, scars
already visible, yet ripped

open once more, scalding tears
I dare not wipe away, lest I be
seen; I must silently endure –

mind leaves body, look below
at myself burning, thoughts must
escape, rise up to cool night sky

 

Julie A. Dickson advocates for captive zoo and circus elephants, has written poems for Elephant Vigils, has coordinated 100 Thousand Poets for Change and served on two poetry boards. She cannot imagine not writing poetry, from prompts, art, music and memories. Her other love is for rescuing feral cats and she currently shares her home with Cam and Jojo who tolerate poetry recitation in exchange for treats.

Sally Brown is an artist, curator and writer currently based in Morgantown. Her artwork including drawing, painting and performance, explores womanhood, motherhood and the body. She has exhibited her work in spaces nationally and in the UK. She has won two awards for illustration for Intimates and Fools and Leaves of Absence, both with poetry by Laura Madeline Wiseman. She has participated in artist residencies with Stay Home Gallery in TN and Rhoneymeade Sculpture Center in PA; and will be participating in the internationally renowned artist residency, Proyecto Ace, in Buenos Aires, May 2023. Her writing has been published in Hyperallergic, Women’s Art Journal and Artslant, among others. She has curated group shows in Omaha, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Morgantown and Lubbock, TX. She holds a Bachelor of Arts-Studio Art, a Master of Public Administration and Master of Arts- Art History and Feminist Theory. She is a former member of the College Art Association National Committee on Women in the Arts, edited the online journal Les Femmes Folles, and currently serves as Exhibits Coordinator for West Virginia University Libraries.