Poems by Jodi Rowland

Sinking in the Sky Water

I want to place you in front of me
floating on the water's surface,
the surface where my dream
meets my reality.
I want to feel
the coolness of the
deep water blue ocean
around my sinking sand toes-
like refreshing liquid
pouring down my throat.
I want the fresh breeze
to sweep me from behind
knocking my momentum,
my freedom, my hands
into the glassy, rippling water.
I want to know how the power
of this water does not submerge me-
it is not confined in an ice cube,
it is not narrow as a stream,
it is not angry like rapid falls,
and it is not lost inside of me-
Instead, it is I who am lost
inside the contents
of this watery world.
I want to shut off the dying sun,
turn the cotton candy blue clouds
and butter cream yellow light
to darkness, and close my eyes
as the sea rises to the sky.

The Breath of Life

You whispered your breath
into my mouth
blowing kisses of life.
I found your air enticing,
I yearned for more
of your lips' kiss, your breath.
I heard you whisper
into my sensitive ears,
and I long to feel the smoothness
of your voice brushing
and vibrating my drum.
I felt your arms wrap around me,
as your finger
prodded from inside,
calling me to you
and your tenderness.
I felt your warmth fill me,
heating from inside out,
like an oven.
And I knew,
the moment you touched me,
my insides were free
and my wounds,
healed.

Jodi Rowland is a recent graduate from St. John Fisher College, and former Editor of The Angle. Currently, she writes a column entitled Wild on Rochester for the Port of Rochester Newsletter. Her publications include a chapbook, Sinking in the Sky Water; and multiple poems in The Angle. She looks forward to the opportunity to continue her education in creative writing.