We drag a thin fire
along the ditch
a red seam, stitched
through stubble
with flappers and shovels
we walk
the black edge
watch the dead fall, leaf
by leaf
you say:
hold the line
let the past leave us
cleanly
the rain will soon stipple
the black
yet for now
the ground ticks
still cooling
10/7/2026
The Words That Got to Me
a red seam, stitched *I find this mesmerizing. It's so visceral. watch the dead fall, *Bleak and taut. A very take-no-prisoners line
What a haunting way to imagine a relationship. I like the way you personified the aftermath of a "scorched earth" event and how they are now needing to tread lightly amidst the detritus that has resulted. It feels bleak and sad but still with the spark of an unpredictable re-igniting. This is deep and evocative. Really excellent work, Jess. (no surprise there!) xoxox
10/6/2026
The Words That Got to Me
a red seam, stitched through stubble A great use of sibilance to build this image. the rain will soon stipple the black I loved the word stipple! I had not come across it before, and had to look it up; it fitted here perfectly.
This was an extremely good, effective poem. I loved the way you built up the scene with so few words - all very well-chosen.