Memories of Kosovo

she lies
quietly
in death’s embrace
head bobs as she’s undressed
with care

her life easily read
each crease speaks volumes
layers of clothing no surprise:
refugees plan carefully
clothes ward off cold
a rifle’s butt
insulating them against war

forms of self-preservation
aid in the aftermath of life
holding flesh to bone
entombing secrets of corruption:
metal casings hidden like jewels
exposed in the folds

partially skeletonized fingers
dance preponderately
her dignity still intact
as life’s touch is removed

later
in the dark
pondering life
my head lolls in death’s strict
echo

By Trish Shields

Biography:

Trish Shields was born in Saskatchewan, Canada, but grew up in Europe.  She has studied creative writing at the Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario.  ‘Soul Speak’, a book of poetry published by Troubadour Books, was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award in 2001.  Trish has two books of poetry published and her work has appeared in numerous anthologies.  Her poetry and short stories have been published internationally. Trish’s novel, ‘Inferno’ is published by Baycrest Books.  Her first chapbook, Coast Lines, is co-authored by Katherine L. Gordon, released in February 2007.  Trish was asked to edit M.E.Tudor’s book entitled The Perfect Proposal, which was published in 2015.