Trish Saunders is a poet whose work has been published or is forthcoming in a variety of esteemed publications, including The American Journal of Poetry, Pacifica Poetry Review, and Off The Coast Literary Review. She divides her time between Seattle and Honolulu, two cities that share little in common except for their frequent rain. Through her poetry, Trish captures the unique experiences and contrasts of these diverse environments, enriching her voice with the cultural influences of both locales. Her commitment to exploring the nuances of life through verse continues to resonate with readers around the globe.

To The Silence, With Love

I always thought you wouldn’t leave in the morning, Louise.
Chaotic midnight more your speed,
with night erasing the flowers
chastening the birds
extinguishing every radiant color.

Your silence now is lasting.
Before, it was a breath between words.

(For Louise Glück, 1943-2023).

Tomorrow Night, And The Night After That

Oh, for God’s sake, let’s not talk anymore about soldiers
waiting outside, rifles raised.
Wave them in for a gin.
A ‘40s jazz tune is what we need right now.
Think of the bars and cafes we loved,
friends who stood us a drink—
surely some are still living, somewhere.
For every despot,
there must be thousands
of kind-faced nurses
waiting in tents
bandages in hand,
and a mother will kiss
every child’s bloodied knee.
Listen to that wind
trying to find a way in here.
Anticipatory anxiety, it’s called.
Your fingers give mine a squeeze.
I’ll take that for reassurance,
for calm just before.
Strange, how the street outside has gone quiet.