the gift


stolen kisses in black berry winter
you were the bringer of bright shiny things
and conversation that kept until dawn

a pink flannel gown on a log cabin porch
a bottle of bourbon on a hillbilly table
harpooning the mermaid and chaining her yours

you gave her a baby boy and took him back
you gave her a garnet ring and took it back
you gave her Caribbean sand and took it back

Indian giver did you forget
you gave her your heart in a hemlock chest for her to keep
you starved her so hungry she had no choice but to eat it



copyright Paulette Powell
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