Fall/Winter 2013



Willie James King

TELL THEM

Tell them, there's no need to come now,
that frost's poisoned both grass and trees.
There is no harvest to harvest.
Seeds have long died where they'd been sown,
the neutered cat's hairs have regrown,
although it is just a kitten.
The nut inside of its stomach's
removed: almond, half-moon, bird's egg? Know this, he's no longer puny.

Last night I spoke with a loved one
whom many says has HIV.
But there are two kinds of prayers:
the one lodged in our hearts and heads,
and the other that inspires us to pray, unintentionally.



Willie James King, a native of Orrville, AL, has published widely. His new book, Autumn's Only Blood, will soon be published by Tebot Bach Press, He resides in Montgomery, AL.

 


 

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