A. L. Steig’s poem blossoms – and dies – on the vine.
Writing by Anna Louise Steig
Art by Kelly Mckay
Ophelia
This little flower bathes in sultry ponds
Amongst her peers, she’s snow white in the murk
Just like a star, kept pure through heaven’s bonds
They keep her petals safe from those who lurk
And seek to taint her hue, her fragrant air
A beaver bites a cry and shifts downstream
He’s friendly to the flower, motives bare
The peaceful cooperation, what a dream!
To see, to feel, to be kept loved by all
For welfare of the world, their dear mascot
And yet as time drifts on, and soon comes fall
Her nature ignores will: she starts to rot
And dies to sounds of chirping birds and pleas
In peace, for death is that which each birth breeds.
About the Author
Anna Louise Steig is a young Jewish writer from the Appalachian hills of western Maryland.
About the Artist
kelly mckay is a poet and painter from the philly area. she went to high school with your cousin. she smells like patchouli and american spirits. you can read her work in Voicemail poems magazine, Lunar feminist lit magazine, and others.
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