7 Comments
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Claire Adderholt's avatar

I absolutely love the intensity and surrealism of this. It’s like a cross of Ilya Kaminsky with animalistic imagery

Kilby Austin's avatar

I am too literal to understand this, but I love its sounds.

Abigail's avatar

I don't know if I should be picturing an ancient pagan sacrifice involving money imprinted with antlers and crowns or my own children fighting right before bed and succumbing to the dark oblivion of sleep. I have read it twice now and could make a strong case for either analysis. Your poems would make fantastic fodder for literary criticism. Your lexicon is so satisfying, and your phrasing helps me see familiar words in a whole new light.

Alex Rettie's avatar

I can't parse the whole thing, but the coins are Canadian quarters -- caribou on the front, King Charles on the back (though most of the quarters I see these days are still Queen Elizabeth ones).

Sam Downey-Higgins's avatar

Exactly right, Alex. Thank you very kindly for reading, despite the poem's occultations.

Abigail's avatar

Oh, thank you, that is helpful!

Matthew Donovan's avatar

Beautiful poem, and beautiful chapel. A hidden gem among cow pastures.