Saint Julian Press Poet

​Elaine Fletcher Chapman

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URGENCY
 
 
Last night I talked my son through the city; over the Golden Gate, 
past Sausalito, to San Anselmo while my husband drove
to a hospital and sat with a man who discovered his wife
on the bathroom floor. Hemorrhage to the brain. Passing
from one world to another. And this morning I watered
the plants while he drove back to anoint her with oil and pray. 
No children. Only a nephew and a ninety–year–old uncle. 
It was a restless night. No one understands my urgency. 
 
A few hours ago, I watched two herons circle high overhead. 
We must love fiercely. We must say, open your eyes. Look at me.
It is midsummer. And the heat, oppressive. Some days it is hard
to breathe. Last night I woke in a sweat, even my hair, wet. 
Too many days have passed since I looked my loved ones
in the eyes. I hear their voices. I render myself helpless. 
And my husband’s daughter, still estranged. No plan 
for reconciliation. The woman’s ventilator removed an hour ago.
​She is breathing on her own. Her dying may take several days.
And we prepare for yet another funeral. We say, I love you.
We say, we will be together soon. 
 
 
 

PRESS RELEASE - RESERVOIR

PRESS RELEASE - HUNGER FOR SALT

POET

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Hunger for Salt by Elaine Fletcher Chapman  *  ISBN-13: 978-0-9986404-1-9  *  ISBN 10: 0-9986404-1-7
Saint Julian Press, Inc. * 2053 Cortlandt, Suite 200 * Houston, TX 77008  * Ron Starbuck ~ Publisher-CEO
Phone: 281-734-8721 * Email: ronstarbuck@saintjulianpress.com * www.saintjulianpress.com