Ricochet
a flock of chickadees, finches, or sparrows
descend from tree tops – a gradual Sneak Up
eyeing the 5 pounds of chia seeds i flung under the maple and basswood
wings a flutter in broken cadence the sound strewn
in a piffpiffpiff 12 gauge birdshot patter
a scattering through leafed shadows, landing as nothingness
these bird feet leave no prints – their weightless possibilities
love glancing off your cheek, or the obscure ricochet touch
spirit seeds leave pockmarks on soul constellations
imploded by lost dreams, speculations, expectations, the miraculous
surprise that followed success, friendship, profound beauty
the job we never thought qualified for or happiness undeserved
like that day we shared a plate of platanos maduros
the first time they came out right and true, you graciously forgot
how many bad batches you ate while i perfected the oil temp,
thickness of slice, the meticulous handling and smelling of the plantain
at the grocery store, selecting just the right ones
you teaching that the one with the most bruises
bears the greatest sweetness
Suzanne S. Rancourt, Abenaki/Huron, Quebecois, Scottish descent, has authored Billboard in the Clouds, NU Press, (Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas First Book Award,) murmurs at the gate, Unsolicited Press, 2019, Old Stones, New Roads, Main Street Rag Publishing, 2021. Songs of Archilochus, Unsolicited Press, forthcoming October 2023. A USMC and Army Veteran, Suzanne is also a 2x Best of the Net nominee. www.expressive-arts.com
Twitter: @FlameSuzy
South Broadway Ghost Society 