“Dust” by Dorianne Laux (repost)

On By Christina's WordsIn Poetry
I’ll be away for a few days playing catch-up, reading poetry, and caring for my sweet little girl–an overly-curious Texas Heeler–who is recovering from a Copperhead snake bite. (Thankfully the vet says she should make a full recovery.) Stay well my friends, and I’ll see you in a few days, Christy

 

“Dust”
Someone spoke to me last night,
told me the truth. Just a few words,
but I recognized it.
I knew I should make myself get up,
write it down, but it was late,
and I was exhausted from working
all day in the garden, moving rocks.
Now, I remember only the flavor —
not like food, sweet or sharp.
More like a fine powder, like dust.
And I wasn’t elated or frightened,
but simply rapt, aware.
That’s how it is sometimes —
God comes to your window,
all bright light and black wings,
and you’re just too tired to open it.

 

Dorianne Laux, “Dust” from What We Carry. Copyright © 1994 by Dorianne Laux.

 

*originally shared June 6, 2014

13 thoughts on ““Dust” by Dorianne Laux (repost)”

      1. Hi Yaya, your screen name makes me smile 🙂
        My girl Sadie is doing much much better. She had a painful couple of days, but has really bounced back. I’m so grateful for everyone’s well wishes and blessings. I will share a picture in gratitude soon, great idea! Thank you so much, c-

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I was really scared for her Hannah. She’s the first doggo I’ve ever had bitten. I am grateful she was up to date on her vaccines and that we had an emergency vet to take her to; it could’ve been much worse. She’s just about back to her old self now, yay!

      This is one of my favorite poems; probably the one that introduced me to Laux I think, and she has since become one of my most revered poets. She has some really powerful poems on grief, and she was very kind on Twitter when I once left her a reply. Hope you are doing well! x, c-

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    1. Hi Strumsky, always a pleasure to “see” you. To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, Sadie and I are both feeling “much muchier.” It was a scary couple of days, but she’s made a speedy recovery and I’m not such a nervous wreck anymore. Although given the number of snakes I’ve already seen here in West Texas, I’ll probably remain nervous until the next freeze. 🙂 Hope you are well, my friend. c-

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