When did the phenomena melt together, fused by expectation?
There are a thousand perfect poems in the fields. As a child,
I would gather samples — flowers, seeds and leaves, each one
poetic and complete, mysteries of form and wonder, pattern
and proportion. I took my own sustenance for granted, gave
no thought to need. When did my sight become constricted,
these open apertures grow narrow, restricted to seeing things
I understand, for which I have a purpose? When did the fields
become a flat expanse of un-mowed green? Look there!
In that field! I am too grown-up — I see nothing.
(from Returning to Awe, Balkan Press, 2014)
-Laura M Kaminski, The Poetry Storehouse
Coffee and Irony 