Here Is Where I Can Say
When you hurt me even without knowing it
or I hurt myself even though I know I’m doing it
or it pours down cold rain
on the Sunday we were finally
going to go swim and sit on sand
at Bethany Beach
When my calico cat dies curled in a corner
or I am rejected, again, by a small indie press
or my car breaks down on 695 blocking
the Falls Road exit as I’m headed
toward something that feels so terribly
urgent
When the power goes out on a sweaty July day
or my tooth breaks while I’m eating gem lettuce
or the Baltimore streets are on fire, windows
smashed, children running, vitriol hurled
like tear gas canisters in the hands
of the National Guard
When we lay bait for the brigade of ants in the
or the bluejay cracks open the wren’s delicate
speckled eggs, or the tiny spotted fawn lies still
on the shoulder of the road, crows hovering, waiting
for me to pass, I flee to the empty page
and find it stark, clean, ready
Click the arrow to listen to Jo read Here Is Where I Can Say
Why I Like Pen in Hand and the Maryland Writers’ Association
Pen in Hand is multi-genre journal produced twice a year by the Maryland Writers’ Association showcases the literary talents of writers across the great state of Maryland. The journal is available online and in lovely print editions through Amazon.com.
The Maryland Writers’ Association is a statewide 510(c)(3) with regional chapters. Volunteer-run and enormously welcoming, MWA works tirelessly to support and promote Maryland writers at all levels through events such as readings and workshops on the art, craft and business of writing. If you’re a Maryland writer of any sort, be sure to check them out!
