Farmer's Market Sonnets: Spring 2013 - Softcover

A collection of sonnets written in the spring of 2013 while biking around the Bay Area, and visiting farmer's markets. Each sonnet was written on the spot for customers as they shopped at the farmers' markets, based on a custom theme of their choosing. Next to each sonnet is a short story of its genesis and the theme that brought it into being. Sample sonnets: A Ripe Moment Amidst asparagus and nectarines Love's blossom opened. Crowds continued moving, Stone fruits were sold, and warm pastoral scenes Unfolded in bunched flowers. There, my loving Of you began. I saw you pick a peach, Watched you press your thumbs lightly to its flesh, Watched how, with gentle hands you tested each Soft fruit for ripeness, seeking the first, fresh Bite of the summer–juicy, sun-filled, raw: The light of heaven gathered up in pulp. I didn't look for love, but when I saw You press that perfect peach against your lips You pierced down through the bedrock of my heart To stir the stillness where all blossoms start. Into the Wild Night The wild night will speak to us, its howl Sending blue shivers through the scattered stars As the full moon gapes, pressing its pale vowel Among the pines, revealing the shades of words Whispered by limbs. Around the fire we'll tell Old stories, tales of growing up–we'll laugh At how fast things are changing, how we still Don't know. We'll contemplate the better half Of who we are, and watch the flames burn low, Watch how the final shadows stretch and mix, Our voices blending into indigo, The embers of our eyes like starry flecks. Then, into darkness, time and sound will plunge As if each edge swung open on its hinge.