your ping pong shell
late summer climb out
nest of a hole
out on your own
no mental map—yet—
compass is set to kick
in a few hours
I’m talking to you feisty one
in my palm
like one of my own—
your quick tail’s tickling
my life line
crows, snakes, dogs, foxes—
there’s a host
of hell between this field’s blades
of grass and this river
your ancestors swam
from this shoreline—
out of my hand now—
go along go along
—if
you thrive where
your species belongs—
I will know you
in June
log lying in sun.
—
Kelly DuMar is a poet, playwright and workshop facilitator from Boston. She’s author of four poetry collections, including jinx and heavenly calling, published by Lily Poetry Review Books. Her poems and images are published in Bellevue Literary Review, Tupelo Quarterly, Thrush, Flock and more. Kelly facilitates expressive arts support groups for psychologists and therapists working in war zones. She produces the Featured Open Mic for the Journal of Expressive Writing. Reach her at kellydumar.com
