Anger Slowly She Moves

Michelle Villanueva

moans obscure these roots as before
and seedpods whirl their approval
bitter this wilderness crumbles
I see through rising mercury

his impatience dissolved wheat fields
scarlet was morning when he left
while smacking her gums keeps the time
she seeks him across spiteful dirt

the dingoes carry meat twos and threes
dust scattered as though seasoning
carefully they avoid the breeze
aware of her passing shadow

mother would oftentimes tell me
before the mountains called her home
skyward was the only refuge
when fury took shape as woman

tiny birds chirp warnings alight
she barely hears them through the haze
foreboding her rattled exhale
they heed the sound and clear her path