Embers by Elizabeth Ashe

My problem is the same
as it has always been – alcohol 
is the only way I know you.

I pour a neat, 
Glenlivet in cut crystal.
Water would be better,

a few clear drops
that mean progeny.

I have defined all of the wheres.

I have the eyes of a sky on fire,

like yours, Father.

I drink the liquid embers in the glass,

the ash, whatever dust of you

is left in the air.

Elizabeth Ashe is a sculptor and poet, who earned her MFA from the Mount Royal School of Art at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and an MFA in creative writing from Chatham University. Her public art projects have been on view at the Bemidji Sculpture Walk, Sukkahwood Festival, Art All Night DC, and the H St Festival. Ashe's poetry has appeared in Yellow Medicine Review, Vagabondage, and Badlands Literary Journal, among many others, and art reviews in Artscope Magazine. Her work is included in Studio Visit Magazine, issue 46. 

Ashe is a member of the Washington Sculptors Group, and is on the steering committee of Emerging Arts Leaders DC. Ashe lives in Washington, D.C., where she has an active studio practice. She is the Gallery Manager for DC Arts Center, and Exhibit and Event Technician at the Katzen Center, American University.