| InterBoard Poetry Competition | |
POEMS FROM THE TRAIN
Katy Maslow
(The Critical Poet)
1.
I want to fold into the man
sitting beside me
on the train.
We should wrap ourselves into one,
I’d like to turn and say,
the way my grandmother folded
her soul into dough
smacked against the butcher’s block,
the way she folded me into her arms
and crushed the breath
from my joy.
I should surround you with me,
I’d like him to turn and say,
the way these tracks
stretch their many arms
into sleeping towns,
the way clouds pile on clouds
out our window,
the way your eyelids drape autumn eyes
as the sunset enveloping the sky
becomes too beautiful to bear.
2.
love is never an essential
and words I stack
in the dusty cracks
of my knuckles
cannot throw shadows
against gripping hope
there is no blowing back wishes
or snatching them
from the thieving wind
they will only flee faster
like a bobbing balloon
that hasn’t been caught
in twisting twigs
3.
redhearted women
hold babies
to breasts
and bluehearted men
hold breasts
to chest
kiss sweeping eyes
fold desires
into winter coats
and stick sweating gloves
into pockets
to save for later
when the chilling winds
pick up
4.
I do not believe the reflections
in the window -
the faces locked in blur,
the harrowing colors
of echoed sun.
not me, either -
not my sad eyes,
arched brow,
and lips forced to pout
into a beautiful stare.
not the only one looking in
and looking back,
not me, either.
Judge John Poch’s comment: “This poem receives a strong second place finish because the poet pushes the envelope of folding and folding, and also because the poet isn’t afraid to completely let go of this successful metaphor by section 4. But I have no idea what the poet means by ‘love is never an essential.’ Perhaps in the context of the poem or the speaker’s voice it is true, but the line alienates me because I believe that love is always absolutely essential and also because I don’t feel the statement is grounded. The last line of section 1 is completely sentimental. Nevertheless, the poem(s) capture(s) the world of this moment on a train and I’m taken, happily, along for the ride.”
About the InterBoard Poetry Competition
Archive of IBPC Winners
3rd Place Winner, February 2004
