HONORABLE MENTION, 2018 LAUX/MILLAR POETRY PRIZE EMILY MOHN-SLATE
Lightning Flowers My daughter is finally asleep in my throbbing arms. The woman next to me, who let my wild baby grab her rings, lick the zipper of her purse, waving away my apologies, sleeps now, too. On her tray table, her highlighted hair a perfect frosted cake. Lois, married 38 years to her second husband who died recently— He was a good one, she says. A really good one. It changes everything. Lois was surprised I have a second husband too. My first husband, a heavy bell still ringing — my second husband, clear light on green leaves. Maybe it was supposed to be this way. What do I know? In her sleep, my daughter clutches my shirt collar— the edge of a boat in her dream. Through the crack in the seats, I watch a movie—no sound— Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, & two younger actors eat pretty food, give each other 18 | Raleigh Review