Nucleolus

By Lisa Williams

I can grow in shadow as in light.

I can grow in shadow, I promise you.

As in light. Only the dark minds those little

fingers. Only

the dark, considering, reveals.

As in light when the veining

trembles. As in light with its petalled

ends.

A thousand thousand shoulders inside shadow

bear weight.

Like soil the shadow,

shadow for hands. I can grow

in a pool of it. Unlike blaze

where figures sharpen. I handle

and I grow in it

I promise you. As with loss

deciphering to

myself and through. Through.

Lisa Williams has published two books of poems: The Hammered Dulcimer and Woman Reading to the Sea. Her third book of poems, Gazelle in the House, is forthcoming from New Issues Press in March of 2014. She teaches at Centre College.