Poetry is

Poetry is

 

the languaging

Of

Interstices,

The mysterious & in-between

And

 

Not

 

yet

 

substantive.

 

 

(Poetry is )

 

the composition of

slippery feeling,

Fall between fingers.

Recalcitrant and ineffable,

Refusing

Interpretation

Or

Containment

or

“Easy”

 

 

(Poetry is)

 

word loosened and ambulatory

Freed

from Creator’s discipline

Only to be ensnared by Reader.

 

Captive

Yet again,

If only briefly

 

 

…………………………………………

Poem written by Dr. Allison Mitch.  Work is copyright protected.  Please cite accordingly.

This piece was inspired by my mother-in-law, after a conversation about the ambiguity of poetry – deep bow to her as well as conversations and writings by Audre Lorde and Tracy K. Smith.

For more information about Allison’s poetry, women’s circles, or other offerings, please email [email protected]