Friday, June 5, 2009

Grandpa Trickster

I have really been on a poetry kick, lately, and looked up one of my favorite locals, Turiya Autry. I was really impressed with this one, and thought I would share it with you all. You can read more about Turiya's work by clicking her name and going to her website.


Eugene


GRANDPA TRICKSTER


after weeks of counting in increments of 5 while sitting at the table of the sun

his earthly granddaughter beat him at dominoes when she was only 13

so he hurled all 28 bones into the sky where they still shine on clear nights


he worked the rails while on land to blend in with those considered common

knowing full well that saints often beg on street corners to test for purity of heart

and atonement and benediction are found in juke joints as often as churches

where true believers drink spirits and holy water from the same glass


he diagnosed grief in his surroundings and used humor as a panacea

curing pain with laughter when medicines refused to mend wounds fully

prescribing black magic remedies deep fried and seasoned with hot sauce


he captured hornet stings and barbs in the thick skins of his soles

freed them with razor blades hurling them at unsuspecting mortals

that underestimated the sharpness of speaking tongues


sometimes words are the only weapons available to gods on earth