Issue Thirty - Summer 2017

On Trump’s Election

By Shannon Perry

If I encounter knife-edged voices
I will remember cool water running
in a strong stream
I will let the water be my voice.

If I encounter cold indifference
I will remember granite cliffs
that have endured icy winters
I will let the stone be my strength.

If I encounter despicable lies
I will remember the eagles soaring
over the Klickitat
I will let their winged truth carry me.

If I encounter climate change deniers
I will remember the starving polar bear
swimming to feed her cubs
I will let their hunger be my motivation.

If I encounter bigotry
I will remember our vast continent of
forests, plains and deserts
I will let its diversity be my reply.

Copyright Perry 2017

Shannon Perry , a generic Oregonian, has had the privilege of living in the Hood River Valley for 32 years. It was a nurturing home for raising three daughters. The beauty of the valley inspires her every day, and provides many opportunities to hike and explore. Shannon has written for as long as she can remember and taught in the elementary grades for 28 years and, through that, nourished young writers. Now retired, she has time to explore her own writing more thoroughly. Her work has appeared in The Yes Book, The Gorge Literary Journal, and Writing Up the Gorge at the Columbia Art Gallery.

All work by