Common Salt by Chris Kinsey
Tenth Christmas I dismissed Santa
and was thrilled – a chemistry set
and microscope matched my wishes.
Casting iron filings and magnet aside
I purpled colourless days with gallons
of potassium permanganate
hoarded the small tube
of heavenly blue copper sulphate
helplessly watching it fade to dull white.
I tilted the microscope mirror furiously
failing to find focus –
suddenly light startled the lens
salt grains clicked into cubes
sharp prisms flaring white light
into rainbows.
Licking spill from my palm
I tasted tears.
– from her new collection From Rowan Ridge – click here for more details about the book and how to buy it for Christmas or for yourself
No comments yet.