Patrice Boyer Claeys is a Chicago poet with five published collections, most recently two photo-verse books in collaboration with photographer Gail Goepfert (Honey from the Sun and Earth Cafeteria). Her work has appeared in numerous journals, including Tupelo Quarterly, North Dakota Review, Burningword Literary Review, NELLE, and Blue Earth Review. She enjoys writing centos, a patchwork form in which the combined chorus of other poets' voices amplifies her own to elevate familiar subjects. Patrice has been nominated for Best of Net and Pushcart Prizes. More info at www.patriceboyerclaeys.com.
Unwanted
gold clusters
on the grass.
Wild green shoots
aspire upward
become the lion
sunwheels relaxed in wide
offering—
over time
transforming into pearl puffs
and fine, ashen fluff
dispersing into wind
like bursting pillows
of moonlight and dust
or
torn webs of shadows.
Cento sources: Mary-Kim Arnold, Amy Lowell, Kirill Medvedev, Hershman John, Peter Hargitai, Tracy Brimhall, May Swenson, Arden Levine, Martha Collins, Semja Brown, Denis Johnston, Jennifer Forester, Joyce Sidman, Helen Mort, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Helene Johnson
Deep Code
There is a fan
the sweet but sharp edges
a sword thrust
then
a stem
stands fast
with all the grace and power
of
a saint or a great
queen.
Rainbowed amethyst, azure, blue
petals
collapse in flounces
intricately ribboned like a secret
deep code
telling the bees
the beautiful
history of its heart.
Cento Sources: C. D. Wright, William Saphier, Matt Rassmussen, Melvin Tolson, Ciaran Carson, Henry van Dyke, Anita Endrezze, Jana Prikryl, Derek Mahon, J. M. Synge, Sylvia Legris, Amy Lowell, Rae Armantrout, Ellen Bass, John Coletti, Lizette Woodworth Reese, Kirill Medvedev, Robert Pinsky
