Black opals shining in sunlight,
jewelry she wears like a name.
Is there a spell she could say, she
wonders, that would have his love last?
He gets close but grows elusive,
wild cherry tastes fading fast,
prisms of color, scents mingle
with roses. She feels her heart shine
on him like sun rays going out-
ward, always giving to him, risks
she always takes with him, for him.
Hot stones, rocks, under bare feet
tear at her, hold her back—retreat.
The sweet pea scent of the air floats
softly through her hair; she prays, hushed
prayers, his name often on her lips.
About Maura Gage Cavell
Maura Gage Cavell is Professor of English and Director of the Honors Program at Louisiana State University Eunice. She resides in Crowley with her family. She has recently published poetry in California Quarterly, Poem, Louisiana Literature, Boulevard, and The Louisiana Review.
Maura loves and appreciates the beauty she finds in nature, people, animals, and the world. Her friends tell her she is a "positive person," one who slants all experiences to find for the best qualities in most moments and in people, staying upbeat and always smiling, riding out what's painful as best she can.
