How To Survive the Cold - JEN IPPENSEN

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How to Survive the Cold

How to Survive the Cold by Jen Ippensen I start with a fresh page, turn it read or dream or think or write until pineapple stems sprout until fruit-producing flowers fuse until they form a crown wear it II turn to the mirror, say something sweet about your crooked nose, your brittle hair, your spider veins, notice how one fingernail grows slow take a bite, let juice fill your mouth, run down your freckled neck, admire your crown III turn your chin to the clouds swallow the pulpy meat, the fruit of your failures take another bite, chew turn the page again, nod nod and nod in affirmation until friction makes heat until tenderness sprouts until floral firelight blooms through cold overcast clouds and in that flickering glow your crown winks IV start with a fresh page, turn it

Original publication: Norfolk Public Library Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 1 (page 6).
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