Friends, occasionally I’ll present the work of a guest poet in this space, as I aim to expand (just slightly) the range of Dispatches From the Basement.
I’m happy to share this set of lunes and haiku by fellow Catholic poet Monika Cooper. Most of you know what a haiku is. The “lune” is a form devised by American poet Robert Kelly — it has a shorter syllable count (5/3/5) than standard haiku (5/7/5).
Since today is the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I thought it would be appropriate to share a handful of Cooper’s poems written for an earlier celebration: the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows.
You don’t have to be Catholic to savor these poems — they are rich in sound and imagery, and ask to be received slowly.
from tiny carmina (barefoot) glass of blossoms at bronze feet: on blossoms a bronze bee * jingle in the dark time rivers over rosary * the chapel’s screen door gasps open – shadows inside, the storm behind me * six-sectioned window: computer burned eyes see Her floating in one pane * fire in the East. the horizon burns brown, like paper * wind stirring silver into the lilacs and the green * summer day: laundry throws shadows on further laundry * parallel ripples: beads stringing across the dusk lake * pray the rosary to extract the gospel syrups * sun slanting athwart pine trees: a long and peaceful rain
Monika Cooper studied literature and lyric poetry at Thomas More College and University of Dallas. She and her husband are raising and educating their three children in New England. Her book, Allegories of the King, is forthcoming from Cooper & Posey.
That "bronze feet" and "bronze bee" had me yelping with delight.
Such beautiful poems from Monika! I love that you're starting to share the work of other like-minded/similar poets. Can't wait to meet more new favorites! 🙏☺️