On the Plaza, Santa Fe
Donna Emerson
First, her dusky eyes,
rounded almonds, brown as earth.
Her black hair shines, hangs long
behind her soft neck.
“This is my first day, here. . . .’ Her voice quavers.
“These are my own designs. . . .” Her hand trembles.
She sweeps her brave hand across
mosaics of turquoise, jasper, jet,
gaspeite, gold.
New shapes, modern composition.
I want to buy her jewelry,
tell her she tells the truth
and betrays no one.
I want to tuck her eyes
into my pockets.
Retired from college teaching and clinical social work practice, Donna Emerson’s recent publications include Weber: The Contemporary West, and The London Magazine. She’s been nominated for two Pushcarts, “Best of the Net,” received two Allen Ginsberg awards (2015, 2017), published four chapbooks. Her second book, Beside the Well, was released in December 2019. Visit her work at her website: donnaemerson.com.