Drawing by Judith Wolfe

ZANE IVY /

Poem



      Night Dreams

      As everyone knows those two old crones can catch you
      in their web of magic and take you - so - stay away.

      Or, lovers who you don't really know, can't really identify, come in the night - give you pleasure.

      Some kind of dream that moves you...
      rocks you into some kind of bliss...

      All of these you have to avoid.
      A charm can keep from harm if you know how to dream.

      There is a marmar that will anchor you.
      If you can find the right herb - in night visions.

      Now we are wondering what we can wear...to keep them
      away...those ghosts and the touch of their tongues.

      Spirits floating over the reef - making love so easy
      with the glitter of technological efficiency.

      But how can we know the price we pay
      to spread our earthen legs - when it is free?

      (note: marmar is pohnapeian and is the chaplet of flowers frequently worn by those living on the islands)


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