Martha M. Vertreace

Earth rotates on its axis faster in September than in March. –Chicago Standard NewsPast the mute brace of stone owlstethered wide-eyed to the nave roofof Saint Thomas, along the boulevardbetween blocks of night, streetlightsspill gold onto clusters of oaks;bare branches sway as if caughtin . . . . Continue Reading »

The snow stuns the sky into quiet only the lake understands, restive beyond the gray stone breakwater. Across the street, my neighbor knows a green hope weaves a wooden trellis over a fresh-powdered walk, his jacket, a plaid patch on the shed doorknob. His brown daughter sprouts bud breasts under . . . . Continue Reading »