January 2016
Judy Ray
jray@gainbroadband.com
jray@gainbroadband.com
I was born in Sussex, England, and lived in Uganda for some years before moving to the United States, the country of my poet husband, David Ray. Together, we have also lived in India, New Zealand, and Australia—all experiences which serve as inspiration for writing. I have recently (2015) published a book of personal essays, From Place to Place, and before that have three books of poetry, three chapbooks, and a prose memoir about India. After many years in Kansas City, I now live in Tucson. www.davidraypoet.com/JudyRay
Turning of the Year
We never know if the turn
is into the home stretch.
We call it that—a stretch
of place and time—
with vision of straining,
racing. We acknowledge
each turn with cheers
though we don’t know
how many laps remain.
But we can hope the course
leads on far and clear
while the horses have strength
and balance on their lean legs,
fine-tuned muscles, desire
for the length of the run.
Some may find the year smooth,
others stumble at obstacles
along the way. We never know
if the finish line will be reached
after faltering, slowing,
or in mid-stride, leaping forward.
Turning of the Year
We never know if the turn
is into the home stretch.
We call it that—a stretch
of place and time—
with vision of straining,
racing. We acknowledge
each turn with cheers
though we don’t know
how many laps remain.
But we can hope the course
leads on far and clear
while the horses have strength
and balance on their lean legs,
fine-tuned muscles, desire
for the length of the run.
Some may find the year smooth,
others stumble at obstacles
along the way. We never know
if the finish line will be reached
after faltering, slowing,
or in mid-stride, leaping forward.
-previously published in Whirlybird Anthology of Kansas City Writers
©2016 Judy Ray
©2016 Judy Ray