“Eva,” a Rumpus Original Poem by Alison Stine

Brian Spears bio ↓  ·  December 18th, 2009  ·  filed under art

Eva

Only here would snow and low, pale
blossoms mix so easily, blowing foam
which tears at the window, then snuffs
itself out. Such things pass quickly,
season to spring. But everywhere:
reminders. Salt splits the road. The river
heaves with run-off. Inside I’ve forced
blooms, but they refuse, stalks dull
and staring. It’s spring, then it isn’t.
You love me, then you’re leaving.
What to do with this half-life? It’s tricked
the trees again, got them on a good day.
Warmed, the dogwoods puff like rice.
Snow starts, then it stops. By morning
there’s no evidence at all above ground.
Didn’t we have winter? Wasn’t it hard,
and didn’t I want you? Her lover’s name
for Eva: little girl of no consequence.
How could I think I was the only one?

Alison Stine

Read the Rumpus Review of Alison Stine’s Ohio Violence.

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Brian Spears's first collection of poetry, A Witness in Exile is now available through Louisiana Literature Press. He is the Poetry Editor for The Rumpus, and has just relocated to Iowa. More from this author →

One Response to ““Eva,” a Rumpus Original Poem by Alison Stine”

  1. Shannon Says:

    That was really lovely to read. The “It’s tricked the trees again,” line got me.

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