by Michael Keshigian
All day
I’ve listened to the song
of a single cardinal
ripple stillness
just outside my office window.
An opera in red tux
his throat is a spring
stretching an aria
through the cluttered house
of sound, awakening memories
of events since past.
The timbre enlivens my heart.
I can almost touch
what once was
as it floats between
song and wind. An inflection
so crisp, that I’m convinced
the cardinal sings for more
than to merely texture
the commotion. His tune
incites another gift.
He performs daily,
tireless and without hoarseness,
to make sad hearts flutter.
Michael Keshigian’s ninth poetry book, Dark Edges was recently released September 2014 by Flutter Press. He has been widely published in numerous national and international journals and appeared as feature writer in over a dozen publications with 5 Pushcart Prize and 2 Best Of The Net nominations. (michaelkeshigian.com)
Tory Eichler graduated with the Class of 2015 from ConVal High School in Peterborough, New Hampshire. She is an avid dancer and entered the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in August to pursue a career in dance. During her time at ConVal she enjoyed experimenting with fine art, particularly drawing. She created a ten piece pencil drawing series in her senior year, titled “Distractions,” which can be seen at www.toryredfern.tumblr.com.
Smoky Quartz 