Farmers' Market Sonnets - Selected Edition, 2012-2013 - Softcover

A selection of the people's favorites from this past year of sonnet writing. Each sonnet was written on the spot for customers as they shopped at the farmers' markets, based on a custom theme of their choosing. Next to each sonnet is a short story of its genesis and the theme that brought it into being. Between Us We cannot hide from who or what we are; The bright desire that set the stars to spinning Beats still in our chests, speaking from afar Of why we're here, of what is still beginning. We move the spiral onwards when we give This sweet gift, that which also fills us up Like words fill up a page-the sound can't live Without the space, the tone without the lip, The soul without the form-these thoughts are love Observing love unfolding. We are words Spoken in night's deep vowels, the blank cove Where footsteps press and fade, the edge that blurs: The point where two are one, and all is well, The space between the hand, the sound, the bell. A Ripe Moment Amidst asparagus and nectarines Love's blossom opened. Crowds continued moving, Stone fruits were sold, and warm pastoral scenes Unfolded in bunched flowers. There, my loving Of you began. I saw you pick a peach, Watched you press your thumbs lightly to its flesh, Watched how, with gentle hands you tested each Soft fruit for ripeness, seeking the first, fresh Bite of the summer—juicy, sun-filled, raw: The light of heaven gathered up in pulp. I didn't look for love, but when I saw You press that perfect peach against your lips You pierced down through the bedrock of my heart To stir the stillness where all blossoms start.