Blackbirdan online journal of literature and the artsSpring 2016  Vol. 15 No. 1
poetryfictionnonfictiongalleryfeaturesbrowse
an online journal of literature and the arts
 print preview
back KATE PARTRIDGE

Chatter

After winter, quiet except for logs settling
in the fire, the men begin to pick their way

up the ice roads, now mud, now earth again.
Occasionally with money, but usually

with need—the next closest fish
camp at least two days’ walk, although

that family claims the edge of the world.
Siduri has thought of a sign—something to carve

your name in—but settles for allowing travelers
to wedge coins between the planks of the ceiling,

a memento before their crossings.
Glinting, one man asks: How much

do you think is up there? Not enough
to get me to hell and back, she replies.  


return to top