Perennial
A poem by Claire Coenen

Perennial
In memory of Eve Marie Carson (1985-2008)

I bloom with Eve
at the coffee shop
as she defines
existence
in 11 syllables,

her voice climbing
like wild rose vines:

Life is

excruciatingly

beautiful.

As adverb pierces
wings of adjective,
my empath skin
sprouts stems
with thorns,

blushing buds
adorn my chest.

Eve is 22
with ephemeral
lips, perennial
words, and Eden
eyes that see me.

In the garden
of her gaze,
the aliveness
of her language,

my petals
glisten yes.

About the Author:

Claire is a writer and social worker based in Nashville, TN, where she teaches expressive writing, SoulCollage®, and yoga. Her work has appeared in several publications including The Banyan Review, The Poetry Lighthouse, and Salvation South. Her debut collection of poems, The Beautiful Keeps Breathing, is forthcoming with Kelsay Books. You can learn more about Claire’s writing and offerings at www.clairecoenen.com.

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