For the past ten weeks, I have been taking a poetry class at The Writer’s Workshoppe in Port Townsend, Washington, led by Michael D’Allesandro.

The class has been wonderful in that I’ve written some new work, met some lovely and inclusive poets and received wonderful feedback on how to improve my craft.  It also made me accountable to write a poem each week!  Michael also provided us with ideas for entering poetry in ways I might not have attempted on my own.

Here is a poem I wrote during this workshop period.  I hope you enjoy reading it.

Early Winter

In December we walk the forest trail behind our home
slog our way through mud and litter of limbs—
talk about Christmas in animated voices.

We count again the days our children can stay—
have almost forgotten the years we relished a weekend
away from them.

Without warning my husband pushes me to the right
hand pressed hard on my shoulder, head bent back
until we both pass under.

“Widowmaker” he says.
I reach for his thick gloved hand
squeeze hard
try to hold tight.

Yours in poetry,

Carey