Photography © Jennifer Matthews

 

Exfoliation

You say the things you do
and do not do. You smile
when the clouds have cleared
and craziness abates. Slyly
you suggest that some animals
have evolved beyond man, not me,
but somehow the math doesn’t add up.
Still, I push the envelope without
stamps, towards the edge of desiccation.
My fault? Or Nature’s? Depends entirely
on who does the survey. My sense:
what I know is what I say no to.
Simple enough math for a man. Easiest place
to rest in the antiquity of the past.
Who am I to ponder the rivers of possibility?
I drift without dhow, unafraid of current
or shore. Drifting towards the window
that opens and conveniently closes.

 

Richard Weaver hopes to one day to once again volunteer with the Maryland Book Bank, and return as writer-in-residence at the James Joyce Pub. A few recent pubs include: Mad Swirl, Misfit and Spank the carp. He’s the author of The Stars Undone (Duende Press, 1992). He also provided the libretto for a symphony, Of Sea and Stars, performed 4 times to date. Recently, his 160th prose poem was published. He remains a founder and former Poetry Editor of the Black Warrior Review.

Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of Poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.