The Sorceress of Galway Bay
by Tobi Cogswell


She feels music in her body
graceful as a thousand ships
set off to sail she rocks gently,
toe tapping, sometimes heel
striking exclamations in a
sad lament or spirited reel.

Her face, calm as sea birds gliding
in an updraft, pale against
the blues and grays; so her
lace scarf sits about her neck.
And when she sings she looks
at everyone, just a fraction

of connection. Men remember how
they used to crave their wives-
8th notes flutter, cheeks turn pink,
pearl buttons on a concertina
make promises to surely be kept
before this sweet night sleeps.






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