Three Poems by Kelley White

Wild Root Charlie

 

lived on the Cat Path.  Employed by the Fish

and Game department to test fences he had

a wife and a fawn and an appetite for cigarettes.

Daddy’d take me after supper bump dusting

down the narrow road and we’d click our tongues

at the turn-around ‘til Charlie’d come nosing

his smooth cool face through the wires diamonds

to tongue my carefully offered carrot and potato

peeling. .I longed for the doe who stood

at the edge of the trees and the tiny face peeking

beneath her flank.  Oh, Charlie.  One day you leapt

them all, seven fences, barb-wired and rolled,

picketed and spiked, storm and stockade and

electric buzz for some apple orchard in your

dreams.  They retired the project.  In a decade I’d

wrestle boys at the empty turn-around, their

tobacco mouths hard against my teeth,  remember

your beauty and grace and wonder did your doe

still wait out in that darkness for your return.  

Swoosh

Just when I'd forgotten to believe

wind lifts leaf and twig and stick

rush of darkness water world

wood trees angry angels

fighting back and rain

is more than lighting

changing earth rock ledge

conversation of power

light and black cloud hold

fool human body pressed

mossbark wet frightened

creature waiting eyes.

Who is dancing?

daughter

feather

leaf

the voice of snow

Pediatrician Kelley White worked in inner-city Philadelphia and now works in rural New Hampshire.  Her poems have appeared in journals including Exquisite Corpse, Rattle and JAMA.  Her most recent books are TOXIC ENVIRONMENT (Boston Poet Press) and TWO BIRDS IN FLAME (Beech River Books).  She received a 2008 PCA grant.