My Cart 
Login 

Previous

Jack at Church
by
Mary Lou Taylor


Next
 

During the sermon at Midnight Mass I watch
the fine hairs on the back of Jack’s hand catch the light, see
his fingers twitch a little like a dog dreaming of a romp
in golden fields. Are you awake? I whisper. His body
jerks. He smiles a sleepy smile. Every word, he says.


From The Fringes of Hollywood (Jacaranda Press).
Used with the author’s permission.


 

Mary Lou Taylor tried three other majors before settling on English. A teacher off and on for many years, she got serious about writing poetry after she retired. Author of one book and published in several journals and anthologies, she has a second book in the works and has proven retirement to be the myth it so often is by continuing to teach a few writing and poetry classes. Learn more about Mary Lou, who lives in Saratoga, California, at www.maryloutaylor.wordpress.com.

 


Post New Comment:
Mary lou taylor:
Nancy asked how I would handle direct quotes. I usually italicize them. I note that's not done here, and I sometimes put them in quotation marks. Whatever seems appropriate to the poem. This one I italicized when I sent it in (I think!). Happy Holidays. Mary Lou
Posted 12/24/2012 01:11 PM
Nancy:
I love the intimacy and truth of this poem. Since you are a teacher, I wonder if you would discuss how you decide how to handle the direct quotes in this poem. It is something I struggle with in my own. Many thanks and Happy Xmas. Nancy
Posted 12/24/2012 09:03 AM
rtaylor947@aol.com:
A memorable moment, perfectly captured.
Posted 12/24/2012 08:55 AM
Katrina:
This is serene.
Posted 12/24/2012 04:56 AM


Contents of this web site and all original text and images therein are copyright © by Your Daily Poem. All rights reserved.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing books through any poet's Amazon links helps to support Your Daily Poem.
The material on this site may not be copied, reproduced, downloaded, distributed, transmitted, stored, altered, adapted,
or otherwise used in any way without the express written permission of the owner.