Murray Dunlap’s work has appeared in about 30 magazines and journals. His stories have twice been nominated for the Pushcart Prize as well as Best New American Voices, and his first book, Alabama, was a finalist for the Maurice Prize in Fiction. His new collection of short stories, Bastard Blue (Press 53) was released in June 2011. The extraordinary Pam Houston, Laura Dave, Michael Knight, and Fred Ashe taught him to write. Visit his web site. To hear Murray’s interview on vox poetica’s 15 Minutes of Poetry, click here. And check out Bobbie Troy’s poem written for Murray over here.
Hairstreaks and Blues
By Murray Dunlap
Grass and goldenrod weaving knots, thick and blight
By Murray Dunlap
Grass and goldenrod weaving knots, thick and blight
Seen through cracked panes, frames to rot
Fish crow talons tight and the black wire slope
Dog-day cicadas click and hum
Restless in linen sheets, curled in twist, fold, and crumble
Scratching and rustling, mantis legs fold forward
And the scent of your hair, braided into the fabric
Caught and hung like an old robe, silent behind the maple door
Propped with shadow, contoured with quivering light
Thin drafts dance across the floor
Pastoral ants collect from hairstreaks and blues
Honeydew
Bedding with memories
Prayers of a mantis
And the scent of your hair, braided into fabric
Lovey and touching, Murray.
Thanks Bobbie!