Jazno Francoeur

“ Shadows press into the ground, the black trees lay flat against the clouds; jackdaws arc above the rooftops then push into the wind toward the highest branches; a boy whirls around a tree, emulating their startled flight, then ambles toward his brothers by the lake.
One by one, the windows light up as the elders lean toward the street— their boys grow in the darkness, appearing larger in silhouette each year as they round the corner. ”

“ I place my ear against the glass
the cicadas are chirring, there is a light breeze
a dust cloud forms on the horizon lit up by headlights
the engine rumbles closer
gravel knocks against the underbelly, wheels turn toward my room
a door creaks, a stranger materializes into mother with each footstep
my body folds into her long blue coat
ice breaking
I cross the wires where the hairs rest on the red barbs. Her scent lingers in the air. My hatchet mirrors the round moon momentarily as I swing it above me to split the thick sheet of ice. ”

“ Something waits to take control of buildings, bodies:
Trishna no longer disguised, nature red in tooth and claw.
Now we know the reason for metaphysics: the holy trophy wrapped between the sheets was a virgin. ”