from lichen linens, tendons bind

tissue of fiddleheads,

sautéed, a delicacy.

What do you take into your mouth?

Pond water parts for a cold foot

to step toward: she is on the other shore.

Fire in white stone, bone

marrow leaches cut lake.

Oil and water:

her head lifts in a century of No.

Her back cracks open.

Her foot stands on the blackened verge

between earth and river.

Her collarbone crackle fold

hollow’s fiery gap

grey crane nests

tremble, small wing bones shift

against water gun.

Will you salve this dry, rich land?

Boulder woman opens her arms.