Shownotes
This poem first appeared in Flora/Fauna an internationally curated book of eco-poetry and photography, edited by Pete Taylor and published by Open Shutter Press
Paper Boats
Donna Burke Esgro
I am a river
coiling, curving
flowing ore at first light
jumping the reeds, rushes, sedges
trailing silver ribbons of salmon
I run heavy
with blood, tears, poison
broken hearts of bears
wispy with water hyacinths, damselflies
Listen to my ancient songs
from glacial depths
to tarnished surface
Pay heed as I flood, surge, rage
against jagged cliffs
crack boulders and chisel stone
into sacred chasms
Attend as I light the votive candles
of ten thousand transparent spawn
Kneel as you set sail your paper boats
fleeting as wings of time
I am a river
resolute as the constant stars
my blue veins coursing, coursing
to the thumping heart of the sea
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One Poem Only submissions are open.
I’m filling the next chapter of One Poem Only and would love to include your work. Send me the poem you wrote and want the world to hear. New this round: if you’d like to read your own poem on the podcast, you can. No need for a perfect studio recording—just a clear audio file recorded in a quiet space. If you choose this option, you’ll submit your poem and an audio file of you reading it. Submissions close Thursday, July 30. I’ll respond by August 12. Whether I read your poem or you read it yourself, I’d love to hear what you’re ready to share.
