ISSUE 46
February 2010

John Joynt

 

John Joynt is currently a Web Editor at Drunken Boat. His poetry can be viewed in Diagram, Big Bridge, elimae, Jack Magazine, and Pregnant Moon. Additional works appear in an upcoming issue of Poetry Flash.

Ten Fables    

Once the shadow dreamt it was a canoe.
And rowed far from the form of what it was.
...

Once the child not knowing it was a mountain
Came across a river flowing endlessly past
Rubble and scree. The child began to lean
Into its elder form. Loosening the beckon of
The sky.
...

Once a blackbird thought it should be blueberry.
Entwined in vine it kept calling closer to the heart.
...

Once the river forgave the storm that continually
Fed it. Its hegemony a gift that simply had no use.
...

Once a willow begged a woman for her ear.
Sheaving each branch of its leaves. She momentarily
Got up thinking it was Autumn but the paunch-apple
Still held fruit.
...

Once the flesh of moth no longer yearned for light.
...

Once the garden ate the city of light.
...

Once a lamb learned to sing beyond a mendicant phrasing.
Enthused with the field's expansion it ran to the top of the highest
Mountain.
...

Once the shadow returned from its journey. Its russet
And wiled body longed for acquiescence.
...

Once a poor sailor planted a cherry pit in the seam of his wife's
Sock. Knowing the gift could not be returned she wore it proudly
Despite a noticeable limp.

 

 

John Joynt: Poetry
Copyright ©2010 The Cortland Review Issue 46The Cortland Review