On the Skagit

Out on the flats a ditch scrawls
beside an aging dike.
Its briny ebb carries a midden
of algae and scum hidden in the windrow.
Lint blossoms drift by at a lazy speed.
Let them take their time.

Blackberries gather at the trail's edge.
Their purple clusters dangle
like temptation. Scarlet vines
stave off the graceless, invite the nimble.
Thorns cradle remnants of thistle down
and sparrow fluff.

The red fruit of nightshade
glows warm as purloined jewels,
and just as treacherous. These
are the promises that last.
A rope of spider web catches the sun
anticipating the delight of entanglement.

Anita K. Boyle

I'm in the middle of this oil painting, still untitled, based on the words of Anita Boyle in her poem "On the Skagit." Several Studio UFO painters are painting works based on the poetry of Anita and her husband. They will be in the gallery for the Bellingham March Art Walk on Friday, March 4th.