What I Haven't Said by M.J. Iuppa

Water trickles onto a depression

where sandy soil lets it bubble up,

reluctant to pop before it settles

in a spot where it soaks down

to roots twisted in a silver knot.

A ghostly place that gives me

shivers, watching water disappear

to a trace that settles the shock of

cold water pouring over bare

feet, over flesh that pinks with

surprise—toes curl instantly in

defense—wanting words to kick    

& scream, like blossoms lasting

on a cactus tree.

M.J. Iuppa, Director of the Visual & Performing Arts Minor Program and Lecturer in Creative Writing at St. John Fisher College, and a part-time lecturer in Creative Writing at The College at Brockport, was awarded the New York State Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching, 2017.