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i. reflected light

Vandal Poem of the Day: February 6, 2017

by Debra Kang Dean

On a two-lane, near the shoulder, bracing

itself against speed, a turtle’s green face that is my face.

At the heart of the desert, an oasis

amid fasting and prayer. Lean face that is my face,

though I hunger, I am singing these praises

that rise like incense. A serene face, that is my face.

Not to the swift goes the race; time flies—and erases,

says the moon, sweet face that is my face.

I am walking into the dark woods’ embrace

by a reflected light. Unseen face, that is my fate.

from PrecipitatesFind it in the library

Copyright © BOA Editions, Ltd 2003
Used with the permission of The Permissions Company, Inc.
on behalf of BOA Editions LTD.

Published in Debra Kang Dean Poems

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, a State-based program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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