Welcome to Poetically Yours. Poetically Yours showcases poems by northern Illinois poets. Today’s featured poet is James Morehead.
Morehead is Poet Laureate of Dublin, California. He has two poetry books "canvas: poems” his debut collection and “portraits of red and gray.” He is also the host of the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast. James' poem "tethered" was transformed into an award-winning, hand drawn animated short film, "gallery. This was set to music for baritone and piano. Some of his poems have appeared in Wingless Dreamer, Prometheus Dreaming and Prompt Press. Here's today's poem.
We missed the beginnings of movies
I saw toilets on the ceiling
a ragged crew creeping
through dripping water.
Smoke and steam
and flickers of red light.
Who are they?
This small group
huddled, wet, and cold
climbing through twisted metal,
chased by floods.
Where are they?
A preacher leads them
until, clinging to wreckage,
howling to God
he falls into flames.
The few survivors tap steel,
scream, then wait
as rescuers cut through.
Sunshine. Propellers.
A capsized ship!
The movie ends. Credits roll.
Dad whispers wait so we sit, silent.
Reels reset with hidden clicks
and Poseidon turns upright
until we see her first half.
Morehead was recently featured on the Poetically Yours extended podcast.
