Poems by Iris Elizabeth Sankey

WHAT KIND OF A PERSON

“What kind of a person are you,” one may ask. I am as soft as the sinews of you, Yet steadfast as a desert flower Blooming with dew of faith.

My flowered soul is scented sweet even in winter. I thrive like evergreen amid histories Fiercest touch to my roots— I am a woman calculating every challenge I choose, Pleasantly surprising...when least expected... I am with graces granted by my Creator Moving me toward more good Transcending me to live as never before understood— Mine eyes have awakened wholeheartedly To Creator’s will for me to love...not shun... So I am free, partaking of my unfolding.

I fear nothing but fear itself So now I’m commissioned to uphold redemption Entreating...to higher grounds. Yet I am down-to-earth, people-oriented, ...commending spirits to Creator’s caring.

Iris Elizabeth Sankey

PEACE

From drugging, caring, and not caring— The storm passes, Yet wept my mind’s deregulator— Drenching self once frozen So numb with fear. But oh, what tender tides I feel Embracing...transporting Lifting me afloat— A simple raft I never knew so strong Placed me in love...loving life’s new portions... Each glazed in peace I’ve sought, And now often find.

Iris Elizabeth Sankey

15 HAIKU

My pen and I poised In sweet writing therapy Early in the morn.

Two different pawnshops— Two different engagement rings— Years of addiction.

Sand-colored cricket Alive on yellow silk rose On bedside table.

Promise of spring Written in the wind and sky— With occasional bird.

Ants racing Build temporary hill Overlooking river.

River flowing By the United Nations Feels weight of Security.

Friendly white dog Colliding my bike Licked me as I lay.

In and out of love Like bright stars ever striving Not to fall dim.

Distance and time— Identical hermaphrodites Waving different wands.

Pen poised Blaring noise My mind’s a blank sheet. Six hundred haiku Came my way like cheerful friends Quietly sharing.

Red ripe tomatoes Sitting with purple eggplant Inside yellow bowl.

Earth— Most feminine of planets Holding array of lives.

Underneath parked car Baby mouse running around To find its way home.

My resolution for 2007? Make good things happen.

Iris Elizabeth Sankey

HONEYS

There once were two containers Courting, Sitting side by side like my honey and me— With colors of black and white And grey in between And rainbow shades of dark and light... Rich colors painting abstractions, as you’ll see, Yet alive, Like the many moods of my honey and me.

Iris Elizabeth Sankey

PRELUDE TO SPRING

On this last Sunday morn Of January’s winter time, Just enough of tree limb leafless and bare Reveals bird twiddling— Moving bare branch, like breath of breeze... Not a sound I hear, And just like that... Flying from my sight, it flees— Leaving me to Hafiz... And silence, And first light of morning.

But that’s not all, So I write to recall Chirping sound of birds I hear... Right outside my other window, As if prelude to Spring sits near... Refreshing...

Iris Elizabeth Sankey

UNTITLED #2

Once upon a time, I had no eye seeing beyond foggy Points of view: Of what I was supposed to choose and be— I could not see... What, where, when was I lifted So unnaturally high— I could not see... My sister said I lived in a fantasy world. O, but if she could see me now: My soul is anchored in newness of life, I know of peace, like a happy child, Engaging in my unfolding: I am a flower, even in winter.

Iris Elizabeth Sankey