the violin’s larynx
the night’s wind
the notes’ closed throats
fingers taut on string
(originally published in Vine Leaves Literary Journal)
vignette
Lipwarmth / Socks
Teeth: meet the others. You’d think
there’d be bones, skeleton mouth.
Chapped lips fish-hook, look: chain fence–
as long as the parts belong, each piece
where it needs to be–
(originally published in Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Spring 2016)
You Can Almost Hear Her Breathing
The empty canvas
had a tiny fingerprint–
a constellation.
(originally published in Vine Leaves Journal, Issue #17)
Blizzard
wind like a taiko
along the crown of palm
I shiver with the window
(originally published in Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Issue #14)
Bonfires on the Outskirts
my mouth & cigarette smoke
like chewed lipstick.
faces clung with intertwined tongue
sweat, turtle. the lotioned hand.
grip now. hold.
(originally published in Vine Leaves Literary Journal – Issue #14)
James Croal Jackson 