The Poetry of Kate Dougherty


--JOURNAL EXTRACT
ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF HIROSHIMA

Anniversaries are to remember.
This is to remember. But we can not
re-member their bodies, our souls.
Use memory as the best of histories
are used: learn the
consequences of our actions
and reasonings, pressures and
choices - look at the
effects which are chain
reactions for causes.
Can such a flash have
happened. Yes. Say yes.
When she says, "We'd never
do anything like that,"
say Hiroshima.
Say Nagasaki.
Say no. Remember
our future.

Hear Kate read "Journal Extract"? (11kHz AIFF Format 732k)


NO WAY BUT BLOOM FLOWER

Bidden but unborn
bud compacted stem
bulges, splits - husk
to dry in the dry sun
exposed to the wind
unbuttoned, undone
universe meet universe

embryo unfurl
bloom no blemish
know no rule
let fall till the falling
falls full bloom
if wind asks more
waltz for fun;
universe - universe

Unknown to you
bees come bidden
begetting begotten begone
the called and the calling
offering Spring offspring -
universe one

Hear Kate read "No Way But Bloom Flower"? (11kHz AIFF Format 728k)


Copyright 1995 by Kate Dougherty


Return to the Literary Page?

Return to the Main Page?