Malene Lotz

Chosen Nightshade

the cat arches into the dark
crescent moon

shallow rains have already
fallen

the jasmine scent has
lurched again
in my backyard

this shall not pass
the clouds are low

if you forget the words
more will always come

they feather in
to the dense moment

when the winds pick out
something sweet

it is always dark
when you lose something

when you turn on the light
in the middle of the night

this shall pass
and you live
with what you are given

Malene Lotz was a modern ballet dancer living and teaching movement in New York. She is Danish, currently living in Denmark north of Copenhagen, and is transforming into a poet.