Annmarie Lockhart is the founding editor of vox poetica, founder of unbound CONTENT, and an occasional contributor on these pages. She lives, works, and writes in New Jersey. But you already knew that. 
Walls for the wind, a roof for the rain
By Annmarie Lockhart
He took the baby from her arms
called her unfit, said she was
heavy of body and light of spirit
raised the specter of viper.
She kept her distance
but sent her voice on banshee
winds, bodhrán beat, tumbled words
gave the baby the gifts of tune and tale.
The child inherited her ores, copper
and coal, lapis and lime, iron and
iridium, he wore them and grew lean
on decayed meat and blighted meal.
Double yoked to pen and pint,
he plowed through persistent resistant
rock to a green and yielding place
where he stood and offered penance
in psalm, song, and story, finding
a balm for the ache in his heart, a stitch
to seam the rent his parents had left
him, their cursed child of contention.
Outstanding, Annemarie! 🙂
A beautiful poem with complex imagery suggesting to this reader the inherent Irish essence that trvaled to America in the blood of millions orphaned from their homeland.
Wow, great imagery indeed. I don’t know how you do it, Annmarie. I see your poems everywhere, and you do such a great job promoting other poets and publishing their work. I am very thankful for your efforts.
I echo the comments of Bobbie, Ray and Debbie.
Oh, Annmarie, I’m shamrock-green with envy at your art,thrilled at its beauty.
Especially loved
“gave the baby gifts of tune and tale…”
And
“Double yolked to pen and pint,”
Thank you for this amazing poem.