a literary journal published by the Black Earth Institute dedicated to re-forging the links between art and spirit, earth and society
crouched on snag
waiting
master of patience
always requited
there is no pretense
wrinkled red head ugly
gnarled, beak a depthless ruby the color
unsnarling entrails of crystallized drying blood
snipping ligament set in a vast field
polishing bone of spiderweb turquoise
a sure, throbbing aperture
deliverance. into the final universe.
light unto darkness.
darkness unto light.
dance.
the heart, the grace shadow
of freedom.
the wondrous flight
from death.
Luther Allen writes poems from his mostly unmanaged 10 acres of mountainside near Bellingham, Washington. His academic work centered primarily on biology and geography; he is a retired building designer. He has published two volumes of poetry: The View from Lummi Island and A Spiritual Thread. His work is included in numerous journals and anthologies, including Refugium; For Love of Orcas; Washington Poetic Routes; I Sing the Salmon Home; New Mexico Poetry Anthology 2023; The Madrona Project (3 volumes); Black River: Death Poems; Death Lifespan, Vol 12; and Blue (Humana Obscura). He views writing as his spiritual practice.
©2025 Black Earth Institute. All rights reserved. | ISSN# 2327-784X | Site Admin