Holly Day’s most recent projects include writing a biography of Columbian pop star Shakira, a guitar tutorial book, and a Minnesota tour guidebook. Her poetry, fiction, and nonfiction have most recently appeared in January, Philadelphia Poets, and California Quarterly. She currently works as a reporter and a writing instructor in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and lives with her two children and husband.

 

 

That Place

knuckle deep in the slot you kicked against the grain

when you found out. hurts. dream of stone

angels wake to red sheets telephone sermon

too far away

 

knuckle deep in the slot meant to fill, pain,

you said, finger lickin’ lyin’ cheat my home

swore to be there protect me hold me on

your chest gone minutes seconds after pulling out too late

 

knuckle deep in the slot the cocoon burst from like rain

butterfly folded up still, quiet, black eye, alone

sightless squirrel paws praying wings unformed my daughter my son

too early to tell to name to bed forgiveness

 

holding legs tight together fingers trying

to stop the flood