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Read more here under Day 6: https://www.tupelopress.org/the-3030-project-2/ #poetry #poems #litcommunity #tupelo3030 #smallpress #poet #writersofinstagram

For Tupelo’s 30 Poems in 30 Days Fundraiser! Donate what you can to support the small literary press; the link is in my bio. #yoga #yogi #meditation #poetry #poet #tupelo3030 #writing #transformation

A Story / by Janel Spencer I. You tell me the symbolism: there were two snakes. The first, twisted with color, no bigger than a shoelace, shivered past at the top of my vision— the second, ten times larger, lifted her head in my right periphery as if a friend just popping in. I screamed; levitated my bare feet to the topmost of the chair, a soft barrier. We eyed each other—the snake & I—checked each other out— her, mature, with a many rattled tail, impressive instrument, striking diamond- licked skin curling and uncurling like weighted breath. Silence, she folded into herself into sleep. We held in that short untouchable distance a comfort between us, an acknowledging. Then, slowly, as not to frighten her, I tiptoed in a larger circle arching above her smaller ones. As I opened the nearby door the vibrations awakened a coo in her, rattling. (Perhaps this is a kind of love story.) Inside, I watched her sleep behind the screen, her eyes softly closed. In the morning she appeared as she was when I had left her. After a coffee, she disappeared. II. Invisibility does not make a thing less present. She was missing for weeks, though I found her shed skin by the front door. A gift, proof of her wound & the promise of return. A nod to the tenderness of new forms: next I saw her, she was dead. Sweet Medusa: and my father, Perseus. His bloodied hand which struck belly-first. Headless, she stared at me. Those cool eyes and her body still twisting, the dance slowly unfolding her form. The violence of blood left behind. Sweet smell of decay. Two invisible marks appeared on my bare feet— unconsummated kiss— and the evidence of a body, still writhing. Please consider sponsoring my writing for Tupelo Press’ 30 Poems in 30 Days Fundraiser! Link is in my bio. #poet #poetry #poem #snake #myth #Medusa #love #tupelo3030

https://www.tupelopress.org/the-3030-project-2/

My first poem from 11/1 is up on the Tupelo 30/30 Project page! https://www.tupelopress.org/the-3030-project-2/ Currently reading: Louise Glück's Averno." Please consider sponsoring my writing and Tupelo Press during the month of November: https://tupelopress.networkforgood.com/projects/39803-janel-spencer-s-fundraiser #poem #poetry #smallpress #tupelo3030 #poet #home #writing #louisegluck