A cormorant dives to feed,
then perches, its wings
spread to dry.
There are fish, there is
a break in the clouds.
A freighter embarks, laden
with necessary goods,
including toys,
much as a researcher
presents his findings.
This world is henceforth one in which
these things have taken place,
and the gates that would prevail against them
have so far failed.
J.D. Smith’s fourth collection, The Killing Tree, was published in 2016, and his individual poems have appeared in publications including Dark Mountain, New Verse News and Terrain. His other books include the essay collection Dowsing and Science and the children’s picture book The Best Mariachi in the World. He works as an editor in Washington, DC, where he lives with his wife Paula Van Lare, their rescue animals and no small amount of trepidation. More information and occasional updates are available at www.jdsmithwriter.com.
