Susan Tepper is the author of nine published books of fiction and poetry. Her tenth book, titled 9X9, will be released shortly by Cervena Barva Press.

Tepper is in the production phase of an Off-Broadway play that concerns artist Jackson Pollock in his later years. http://www.susantepper.com

Meditations on dear Petrov

Set in 19^th Century Russia during a time of war

Vicinity

When you die and inherit the earth will I be in the vicinity.  Perhaps crouched at the mouth of the peninsula.  Where the tides come in.  Holding my skirts.  Watching.  Or standing on the stiff riverbank stark with rock.  I could be in the birch forest where my father lies.  Under snow.  Where I inherit nothing.  Death on the heads of the soldiers.  But what if you are standing on the wrong side.  What then, dear Petrov.  Will it be the heavily laden cart that runs you down during fog.  While you trudge along the road to meet your regiment.  Dark and wet into the mud is a most forgiving place.  You can put your face in mud and see as if into a mirror.  Features most blinding.  On you, the nose.  It cannot smell the sweetest cakes or the spices I put in the tea.  For me, it’s my fingers.  Clawing to get out.  Who will tie funeral bells to my hands.  There is no one left but my horse.  I ride him through the house to get past the frozen nights.  I can see the grave.   Through the opening in the attic rot.  I tremble on my horse’s flanks.  Dear Petrov.  Who will comfort me in your sorrow.

Glenn Bowie is a published poet , lyricist and photographer from the Boston area. He also owns and operates an elevator company that supplies custom-built elevators for clients from New England to Hollywood. Author of two poetry and photograph collections (Under the Weight of Whispers and Into the Thorns and Honey) on Big Table Publishing , he donates all profits from his books to various charities for the homeless and local animal shelters.