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On October 18th we will celebrate the release of Tinker’s Damn, a collection of poems by David K. Leff. On week two of our previews, we offer you a little tonic for the soul. We invite you to enjoy this poem and share our news with the poetry lovers in your circle. And remember, if you place your pre-order in our store, you will receive your book a full 2 weeks in advance. Visit our Bookstore»

 

 

The Housatonic at West Cornwall

 

There’s no tonic like the Housatonic.

—Oliver Wendell Holmes

 

Shadowed by green humped hills,

anglers cast into riffles

and pocket-water where trout

linger among rocks, rising for flies

with concentric ripple kisses.

Carefully they wade over cobbles

as swallow acrobats dart

and swoop for insects.

 

Absorbed in the swash and roll

of the river as it seethes beneath

the barn-red covered bridge,

they briefly awaken to the rhythmic

rumble of tires on dry boards.

 

Occasionally they pull magic

from the water like a dream hauled

from the depths of sleep, glistening

silver, rainbowed or stippled in lucent

pink, orange and yellow.

 

But every shining, defiant beauty

is returned before drowning in air,

as PCBs secretly poison sediments

where the miracle electric age chemical

bringing “good things to life” lies

layered like fossils, marking a time

when fish were turned to forbidden

fruit contaminated by knowledge.

 

*Original Photo by David K. Leff

 

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Tinker’s Damn

Poems by David K. Leff

ISBN: 978-1-938846-15-1 | 5.5 x 8.5 | 100pgs | Pbk

Release Date: October 18, 2013

Order through our store and we will send your book on October 5th!

About the Book: Deeply rooted in place and time, these poems explore nature, the built environment, and human relationships with an acute sense of reverence and wonder that renews the spirit. Reserve your copy»