Ann Spiers

32524_118675524829885_100000623144837_160931_7068559_n — Rabia O’Loren

TSUNAMI

we know

someday the sea

will pull back, sea creatures

drowning in air, then all that sea

returns

a wall

a crestless wave

carries all up inland,

breaking boats, logs, shoes, roofs, trees mixed

with sea

people

and dogs, chickens

lifted up, ride the sea

soon pooling, slacking, pulling back

strong armed

the men

hug rooted trees

while women, children, chairs

ride out to sea, and another

tall wave

aroar

with dying whales

and all the small Jonahs

the weaker Ahabs and us lost

at sea

Author Biography:

Ann Spiers is a multi-talented writer of poetry, fiction, non-fiction and plays. She is also a teacher, performer, and active organizer and juror in the arts community. She has written six books of poetry. Her work has also been widely published in numerous journals and anthologies. As well as teaching, Ann Spiers manages environmental and stewardship projects for land trusts. She is a recipient of many awards and grants, including a 2002 Writers Residency at the Willard R. Espy Foundation in Oysterville, Washington State Arts Commission, Bumbershoot Fiction Fellowship, King County Arts Commission Works-in-Progress, and others. See more at www.annspiers.com.

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