poetrywatch

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“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” — John F. Kennedy

Do You Enjoy poetrywatch?

Artwork by Hilary Cole

Want to see it continue? Then please, send your poems to us and let the Whatcom Watch share them with our readership! Seriously, we really do want your roughly 25-line poems though length is by no means a deal-breaker; it’s how you use those lines. Featuring or specific to Whatcom County and issues addressed by Whatcom Watch such as government, the environment and media. Send your poems to: poetry@whatcomwatch.org and let’s make magic happen.

Subject matter is unlimited, but poetry featuring or specific to Whatcom County and issues addressed by Whatcom Watch (government, the environment and media) will likely get first preference.

Please keep it to around 25 lines; otherwise, we might have to edit your work to fit. Don’t make yourself unprintable.

Send poems and your short, two- or three-sentence bios as a word document attachment to poetry@whatcomwatch.org.

The deadline is the first day of the month.

Please understand that acceptance and final appearance of pieces are subject to space constraints and editorial requirements. By submitting, authors give Whatcom Watch permission for one-time publication rights in the paper and electronic editions.

Ant Sky

by Rick Hermann

Who awakens first?
You from your dream,
or me, exhaling whale breaths of ocean?
Outside our tent, mist and invisible,
unsolvable waves fall, tide and sun
pull me in familiar directions.
The domed sky eclipses my faith
in something deep and untested in me,
reveals the sanctity
of Nature’s carnivorous beauty.
Water erodes our stature
among the ants,
who paint bluer lapis
dreams on sand mandalas.
I can only imagine this particular color
against the ecru canvas of your breasts,
you who face the sea, exultant
and alive.
__________________________
Rick Hermann lives and writes in Bellingham. Usually, he is okay with that.


One Approach

(People, Life & The Mountain)

by David P. Drummond

Is never enough, to be
accepted on summit circle
You can be friendly
to all, and still get slapped.
Silly me, Thinking
Give Good, to Get Good
“Not Always,” says Life
Go home now. Return if
and only, You are Ready
Morning sun on new snow
avalanches lushes away
Sneak by full moonlight
and Aurora Ascend
skewered by cherry shooter
Listen to slithering rope
snake, praying to ancient
ice avenue, below our
cramponed, boot feet
Tahoma knows your
heart’s intention
Snaps her wind whip
across your indolent back
Bakes the brow and neck
of late risers. Plan
prepare, train all you
want. But, never think
idly, you will achieve
a climax moment
with only one
Approach

_____________________
David P. Drummond is a wildlife biologist, naturalist-educator who loves being in nature, where the poignant experiences of life often inspire him to surreal expressions.