Studio Renee

Soap Puddles

Soap bubble puddles
from the bathroom to the kitchen
leaving a breadcrumb trail as evidence
that we live here.


Mesquite Winter Wonderland

In Arizona, winter looks like rain made of mesquite leaves 
dropping down romantically a fresh powdered pile of rust-colored snow

Everywhere else in the world is frozen but I wear jean shorts
lounging by the lazy water fountain outside
while my head covered in mesquite tree leaves.


Santa?

Stranges Smoking in Santa Hats
-xmas in Tucson '17


The Sink

I spat out something black 
in the sink
after our argument

I was contemplating swallowing my pride
but I spat it out instead


My First Villanelle (Practice #1)

For you, I struggle endlessly 
I pull my hair and scratch myself 
I fight until I bleed

Your voice a constant plea
screaming through pressed lips
for you, I struggle endlessly

Why don't you stand up?
I can see you sitting still
I fight until I bleed

Heavy chest and tired eyes see
fear welled up inside
for you, I struggle endlessly

Pounding head and hands
try to break through
I fight until I bleed

Through you I get to me
A minor detail but
for you, I struggle endlessly
I fight until I bleed.




Originally written 2017-2019, published and edited on 1/19/24
©2024 by Renee Salmon