POET OF THE DAY: DORIS DAVENPORT

My friend doris davenport now teaches at Albany State University in Albany, GA, where she directs (and is the creator of) the annual Poetry Festival. Her collection Madness Like Morning Glories was published by LSU Press. Her other titles include Voodoo Chile, Eat Thunder, Drink Rain, and Soque Street, as well as several chapbooks. She's a powerful performer of her work.

(Photo by Doya Outlaw)

The two poems that follow are definitely season-related! I've also included one of my favorites from Madness Like Morning Glories.

(...brand new, came to me a few days ago - spring is pretty & glorious but LAWD! Pollen-itches-allergies . . .]

(untitled)

millions of things bloom

billions of life forms return

singing green, green, green

***

millions of microscopic

organisms

in each pollen

grain stuck to

my skin shouting

"Suppertime! Everybody

git some!"

Now, I know you remember so and so

meaning somebody who rode through town once, ten
years ago or who lived and died before your birth. They
expect you to remember, to know, just like your mind is
their mind and if you don't, they might take it personal.
Get so mad at you, they can't get on with the story.

Not like Fannie Mae. She will get all into a story and
catch herself: "But that was before you
were born." Great Aunt Fannie Mae will pause, grin for emphasis
and say, "And I just wish you
coulda seen it!

not me.
When i get through
when i am done
won't be no wishing
you could see.

You gone see.

(Photo by Doya Outlaw)