Laurie Kolp VERSE-VIRTUAL 2016 March

March 2016

I live in Southeast Texas with my husband, three kids, and two rescue dogs. I recently returned to teaching after a 14-year hiatus, which has been a shock to us all. My publications include a chapbook, Hello, it's Your Mother, and a full-length collection, Upon the Blue Couch, as well as numerous online and print publications. I also enjoy running, reading, and photography. Learn more at www.lauriekolp.com

St. Patrick’s Day in San Antonio

We drink green beer by a green river
that flows beneath tourist-packed streets

dip salted chips in hot salsa
as strolling mariachis serenade us

tell stories about pretending to kiss
the Blarney Stone, stories about good luck

in finding four-leaf clovers in fields of green
that seem to stretch on and on and on

like the depth of your green eyes
luring me back, unspoken words of love

I long to hear, words I know I can return
the feelings you hide I try to reach

because you create these superficial lies
to cover up this change of heart

our conversation has revealed.
When I look deep enough I see

a faint spark lurking in your green eyes.
It calls to me, begs for me to pull it out

from places deep within, like the light
before a train emerges through a tunnel-

vision, your mind the spark I know is there
but you deny this day in March when green

became the color of her dress
became the color of my skin.