Advent

The Southern Poetry Review published this poem of mine last year:

 

Advent

 

“O Come, Emmanuel,” we sing,

and call him “long-expected.”

Yet clearly his earthly parents

were taken by surprise.

No reservations at the inn,

no childbirth classes;

they swaddled him in makeshift rags

among the cows and asses.

 

The unexpected child

prepares his own room;

does not wait to be invited

or even knock politely;

tears apart the calendar,

inscribing every page

with the importunate demands

of newborn rage.

 

In his profound dependence

he conquers all,

seizing the heart’s cords

in small, potent hands.

From life’s very source,

he comes to shatter expectation,

and for that catastrophe

there is no preparation.

Three more days to pre-order!

Happy to announce that 130 copies have been pre-ordered so far! Here’s where to get yours.

I enjoyed reading and discussing a couple of the poems last week during the Faculty Flash Presentation Showcase. Thanks to Jordan Troisi for the photo. fullsizeoutput_fee

Pre-order my chapbook

My chapbook, Let Me Let Go, is now available for pre-order at Finishing Line Press: click here. It will be out in January. The print run will depend on the number of pre-orders.

Many thanks to Kim Bridgford and Jeff Hardin for the blurbs.

Michael_Jennifer_DAvis_COV EM-REVISED

Publication news!

I’m delighted to announce that my chapbook, Let Me Let Go, will be published by Finishing Line Press. Watch this space for ordering information in the fall.

Recommendation

I highly recommend my friend Leigh Anne Couch as a poetry editor. She has helped me organize a chapbook manuscript and also helped with line-editing a number of the poems. If you are seeking editorial services, check out her page: http://www.leighannecouch.com/