Most of the time I live
in this tick of the clock,
the present sweep
of second hand
around my existence,

but come times, compelled

trudge back –
into the shade,
through the murk, to lift up
whispering shadows
woven through passed minutes

poke at soft under-bellies
examine the margins
rough up taut surfaces

and let them bleed a little
because

when old scars ache
there is something more
to be gleaned
if I dare prod.

© Dawn Mueller

 Dawn Mueller, born in St. Louis, Missouri, is a proud veteran having served 8 years in the U.S. Army, before settling in Southern Illinois with her husband of 28 years, and their 6 children. She has spent the last 18 years homeschooling a daughter and five sons. She began writing poetry in late 2016 and has had several pieces included in various anthologies – Rewrite Sunlight, Grey Dawn, Zephyrous, and Soul of Seasons. She enjoys reading, photography and raising chickens, but writing poetry has quickly become her passion.

Allpoetry: AllPoetry.com/Dawn_Mueller