Poem of the Week

This poem is from John Montague's latest title, due out in mid-April, called Speech Lessons. It's dedicated to his wife. Enjoy!




Silences


for Elizabeth



1

Poetry is a weapon, and should be used,
though not in the crudity of violence.
It is a prayer before an unknown altar,
a spell to bless the silence.


2

There is a music beyond all this,
beyond all forms of grievance,
where anger lays its muzzle down
and into the lap of silence.


3

Or some butterfly script,
fathomed only by the other,
as supple fingers draw
a silent message from the tangible.