Jade Riordan, Ireland-Canada
My childhood was the kind, hoarfrost-
blossomed idea of mountains:
all amethyst collecting and avalanches
of love and love and love.
I draw the lavender curtains like snow
parts the forever-hug of the horizon.
My thoughts peek and peak sun-ward
through the prismed glass. And I day-
dream the sky’s haloed elevation, distant
mountains tall as an embrace of wind
chimes.
The open window overlooks an inheritance
of quartz, February violets, the chiming
exhale of this season. Like a snow angel-
laden avalanche, I have sculpted gemstones,
birthstones from my memories.
O, I have the loveliest Everest of an idea
for tomorrow.
Jade Riordan is an Irish-Canadian poet living north of Canada's 60th parallel but south of the territory's polar bears. She is a volunteer selection committee member (poetry reader) with Bywords. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in The Blue Nib, Contemporary Verse 2, Cordite Poetry Review, The Miracle Monocle, Slippage Lit, takahē, and elsewhere.
