It is the hinge between
lake and land, where
blackbirds sway on rushes,
and herons rise on stiffened wings.
Where water is a form of darkness,
and the choir of wild iris sings
with meadowsweet and willow.
It is neither solid ground,
nor entirely melt, but shifts
its state to what is found, matching
creature and season. Giving us, too,
relief from absolutes, a fate
where we can dream ourselves as
sway, or rise, or earthly song.
1/1/17
About this Poem
The Poet Laureate for the City of Kingston writes one new, original poem each year of their appointment that addresses or reflects one or more aspects of life in the City, to be read at the Mayor's annual New Year's Day Levee. At this year's Levee, Helen Humphreys read her new poem "Marsh". Last year's New Year's poem was “Limestone” and in 2015 she read "Three Owls and a Bayonet".
Humphreys' most recently-published book is 2015's The River. You can find more of her poetry and other works in the KFPL catalogue.
