A Circular Path

By Marianne Brems

Previously published in Stepping Stones in May 2024

From lakes 
to vapor 
to clouds 
to raindrops 
to earth and lakes, 
the everyday 
cycle of transfer
and renewal, 
a circular path, 
until it breaks. 

When a deluge of raindrops 
loosens soil,
fells trees,
spills mud, 
clogs drains,
pools water,

when a deficit of raindrops 
drains lushness,
releases turgor,
shrivels leaves, 
weakens roots,
hardens hillsides,

it’s a three-way tug-of-war
between the wetness of wet,
the dryness of dry,
and the usualness of usual.

Marianne Brems is the author of the full length poetry collection Stepping Stones (2024) and three chapbooks. Her poems have also appeared in literary journals including The Bluebird Word, Front Porch Review, Remington Review, and Green Ink Poetry. Favorite poets include Kay Ryan, Ellen Bass, and Naomi Shihab Nye. She lives, cycles, and swims in Northern California. Website: www.mariannebrems.com.