Maril Crabtree

Protector

In your dreams
you guard the library
of all living things.
You melt the difference
between past-present-future.
Time is a nonexistent entity
where no enemy dares trespass
as you enter the holy kairos
of now. You weave history’s
hands into yours
and you shape the world
into your own.
The flames bow down
and extinguish themselves
in the green sweep
of your closed-eyed vision.
You bring us closer
to that unnameable place
where we all someday
will meet.

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Maril Crabtree grew up in Memphis and New Orleans but calls the Midwest home. Her most recent chapbook is Tying the Light (Finishing Line Press). She also authored Dancing with Elvis and Moving On, and edited four anthologies of poetry and essays published by Adams Media. Her work has appeared in journals including Kalliope, I-70 Review, The DMQ Review,  Main Street Rag, Persimmon Tree, Third Wednesday, and 2014 Poet’s Market. She previously served as poetry editor for Kansas City Voices. More of her work is at www.marilcrabtree.com