Wakening
—in response to a painting by Matt Carrano
Behind today’s explosion of buds
their shells tossed, leaves unrolling outward
hungry for snatches of sun
between rain-smudged clouds
the wintered-spring decay
is dark with knowing
Deep blue shadows beneath shadows
feed from forest floor
from vernal pools
from shallow ponds’ primordial mud
birthing yellows, blues, sharpened petals
slicing streaks of rust
Hidden nests blossom within canopies of green
twigs and vines clasping
clinging to branches
their discarded scraps swallowed
into burgeoning burrows
crawling, snaking, feathering to life
Tom Laughlin is Coordinator of the Creative Writing Program at Middlesex Community College in Massachusetts, USA, where he coordinates a visiting writers series; open readings for students; and publication of the online literary magazine Dead River Review. His poetry has appeared in Green Mountains Review, Pensive, Sand Hills, The Main Street Rag, and elsewhere. His chapbook, The Rest of the Way, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2022. His website is www.TomLaughlinPoet.com
Amethyst Review 