passing
by Deborah Akers
we are little more
than strands of memory
made flesh
nerve coils murmuring
well-worn code
through wiry core
stance, temperament
color of eye
all echo, bound by
cells recounting
ancient arcs
sure
as moon path
and passing stars
less certain
what becomes of
our thought fumes
mapping of acts
bold and timid both
that mark the brain
residue of
love tracing
the beloved
even the hard-used
hammer, or ring
imbued as treasure
must in the end
release
to faith’s acreage
restored in fragment
recollections
though more likely fallen
to rest in fields
damp and green
Poet bio
Deborah Akers is the author of two poetry collections; partly fallen (Airlie Press, 2015), and backward pilgrim (I-Beam Books, 2013). Her poems have appeared in many publications, and she has received several Pushcart Prize nominations. Deborah and her husband live as quietly as possible in Portland, Oregon. She makes her living as an educational editor and writer.
Arresting poem, Deborah, thanks!