March 2022
Bio Note: I recently learned about the Verse-Virtual community from following the work of some Kelsay Books authors. Kelsay recently published my poetry collection, Winter at a Summer House. The poem “Words,” included in the collection, fits March’s Food topic and touches upon many of the book’s themes. The poem “Manhattan “How To”” is a personal favorite that I thought might also fit well with the theme.
Words
We speak the truth with silence, he and I— wizened warblers, our throats trembling stillness in rise. He, an infant, rooting for first words—Mama, Papa, me leaving behind years of rushing words— syncopated verbs, precise diction, crosswords, speeches, puns, pitches— a labyrinth of language. Though some chance refrains still linger on my lips along with the taste of that last persimmon, so heady and rich, pulpy nectar, sipped and savored down to the last knife seed as the baby cried his distress disguised as hunger for the tender tongue of touch.
Originally published in Sky Island Journal
Manhattan "How To"
Make with rye instead of bourbon. Serve it straight up with a twist. Lift the coupe glass. Dip your tongue. Inhale deeply. Steady your wrist. Let your aches flow through molasses. It’s a hot tub in a glass. Mix a second. Sip and lay back. Spin downriver past regret.
Originally published in Snakeskin
©2022 Mary Beth Hines
Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the author (email address above) to say what it is about the poem you like. Writing to the author is what builds the community at Verse Virtual. It is very important. -JL