Martha J. Eshelman Biography

Death stands by his closet dressing.
He checks his date book. Twice.

Death dresses in black like a cat burglar,
...

Childhood ended with Mother's decree
we no longer play together
for reasons
obscure
...

put out the moon
reach up, clasp it
press its ends closed upon themselves
wrap this ring in fallen leaves
...

Rosy fingers cupping
tawny breasts,
I rise
dripping
...

Take it from one who knows
Hell is just around the corner
and its cold
bone-cracking soul-searching cold
...