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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