May's Tears
an ‘On the Rock’ (Onza Rokku) linked verse composition
by Stella and Spencer
Note to the reader: The verses in a linked verse composition link to the previous verse, and shift from the verse preceding that. The theme of the poem constantly moves forward and changes, except for the last verse of the whole composition. Certain motifs are allowed to repeat; these are noted after our names.
* * *
May's tears on the Knights of Columbus's asphalt, decolonizing – Stella /spring/
they melt precious jewelry, reborn into avarice – Spencer
red salmon with pollution clutching their scales swim upstream – Stella /fall/
I catch them, stalking from a rock, and cook them for dinner – Spencer /rock/
prep the onions; our guests grow impatient chatting in the moonlight – Stella /moon/
heads crowned with wilting bluebell blossoms – Spencer /flower/ /summer/
* * *
a pride parade meanders through a techno-city built by sociopaths – Stella /summer/
a premature end, trampled flags on the ground – Spencer
with so many light years to go and things to be found – Stella /rock n roll/
but for now, sit with her and drink chamomile tea – Spencer
a long death from poison is more honorable to bear than a thousand cuts – Stella
put down like a dog in winter's teeth – Spencer /winter/
* * *
my spine creaks in the frigid air as a CEO crumples – Stella /winter/
from behind bars, the savior waits to be martyred – Spencer
icy hearted priest gives a sermon protecting abuse – Stella /ice/
the nicest woman you know sits and listens anxiously – Spencer
lovers eagerly saw a sparse tree full of birds – Stella /fall/ /love/
splashing flirtatiously in the water on the way back to the dam – Stella /fall/ /love/
* * *
a sturdy structure housing all manners of creatures built to last – Spencer
the sailor sits; a slow sadness suffocates – Stella
cracking up on the rocks; this is why you avoid the lighthouses as a lover once advised – Spencer /rock/
leaving the tower; wreckage in melting snow – Spencer /spring/
cubs explore as mother keeps vigil beneath the cherry blossom – Stella /flower/ /blossom/ /spring/
she says, “the land is ours, darling, in some delicate way” – Spencer