The sneeze
sends legs sprawling
on cold vinyl floors.
The eyes, rheumy headlights
that no longer see.
Teeth grungy, rusted
meat swords.
Barbara A. Meier is learning to deal with loss: loss of a marriage, estrangement from her children, loss of respect for public education, and just maybe, loss of a job. After thirty-three years of marriage she has returned to writing. Writing is helping her deal with her losses. When she is not surviving through words, she teaches first grade. She has seven poems accepted for publication in Ancient Pathways, Miller’s Pond, Poetry Pacific, and River Poets Journal.
Image by Dani Lurie on Flickr.
A Quiet Courage 