Boulder woman unwinds an arm
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.
