Gathering by Susan Tepper

Do they speak in tongues

during the gathering—

bones put in raffia baskets

made to carry bread loaves 

and other savory items. 

Reduced now

to a flicker of memory. 

Are the bones arranged

the same way bread

hung over the sides,

and vegetables

held its center for balance.

Grass has become overgrown 

thicket.  A maze mostly

dark never to come out.

Susan Tepper is the author of nine published books of fiction and poetry.  Her most recent titles are CONFESS (poetry published by Cervena Barva Press, 2020) and the road novel WHAT DRIVES MEN (Wilderness House Press, 2019).  Tepper has received many honors and awards.  She’s a native New Yorker.  www.susantepper.com