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This poem is taken from PN Review 10, Volume 6 Number 2, November - December 1979.

Three Poems Jean Earle

This fierce and trembling jewel on the wet wire
Is a challenge to me from whatever it is
That I wholly desire yet dare not trust
And almost hourly deny -
Of which I instantly cry, "There it is!"
When I see such a jewel.

Wire and water. Nothing, unless the sun
Rise after storm.
Moment and eye to see
Must coincide, catch the loud flash. Look!
Mind keeps it bright even if eyes close.

Lightly hanging explosion, emerald illusion,
Brimming my diffident cup -
The message sparking and burning.
Rain vision. God on fire. . .

Yet it is, after all,
...


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