In most parts of the country, by February everyone is tired of the gray, sunless skies and bitter cold mornings.  Valentine's Day could not come at a better time.  We are more than ready.  Maybe that's why I thought we could use three poems this morning.  They are better than a warm roll and a second cup of coffee.


Karin Bradberry is an Albuquerque poet, teacher and visual artist who enjoys creating poetry shrines, sculptures which embody her poems. She has served as co-editor/publisher of the monthly poetry broadside, the Rag since 2008.  She teaches English, Creative Writing and Spanish at Gilbert Sena Charter High School.




Winter Blossoms

I swim and think   
think and swim
remembering
weekend’s pleasures

how we laughed and talked
loved and laughed again

could this be it?
have I met my match?
can I cast aside my
trepidations   leap into
your arms with open
heart   willing mind?

I call you   invite you back
your delight thrilling me

my spirits soar with
the chance of love
the choice of happiness
with you   my
newfound friend

love blossomed in February
spring came early this year



I Miss You

the way I miss green chile in June
sunshine on grey days   peace in the city
I miss you the way the ants in my kitchen
miss the honey jar
miss the sweetness they drowned
themselves in by the hundreds
every morning you’ve been gone
I stir their tiny bodies into my coffee
ingesting their strength and determination
as a warrior eats the heart of a fallen foe
in gratitude
I am stricken with longing
as tender as an old maid’s heart
melting in the warmth
of your love  heat of our passion
Tú eres mi chile verde   mi sol   mi paz
I miss you



Anatomy

My rose opens petal by petal
Blinding you with beauty

You peel scale leaves of onion
Stinging me with tears

Down we go
      Layer by layer
           Under my skin
        Thorns drawing blood

The bulb you seek
Immature flower
Of my heart





--Karin Bradberry




Poetry submissions are welcome.  Email theditchrider@gmail.com.  The Sunday Poem is posted each week live from the front room of the Nob Hill Flying Star.