How Trouble Grows
written by: Joan McNerney
Trouble is patient
hiding around corners.
creeping through shadows
entering without a sound.
It starts as a seed blown
by careless winds and
covers your garden with
foul brackish weeds.
Or sparks from a match
spread over fertile ground
becoming flames speeding
through the long night.
Trouble knows where you live.
You cannot hide from it.
Gaining a foothold, growing
fat feeding on your flesh.
Watch how trouble grows
inch by inch, molecule
by molecule coursing
through your veins.
Trouble begins as a whisper
day by day growing louder.
Stronger than your heartbeat
becoming a thumping drum.
Soon you will forget
there was a time
when trouble was not
your closest companion.
Joan McNerney has been the recipient of three scholarships. She has recited her work at the National Arts Club, New York City, State University of New York, Oneonta, McNay Art Institute, San Antonio and the University of Houston, Texas. Published worldwide in over thirty five countries, her work has appeared in literary publications too numerous to mention. Four Best of the Net nominations have been awarded to her. The Muse in Miniature, Love Poems for Michael and At Work are available on Amazon. A new release entitled Light & Shadow explores the recent historic COVID pandemic.
Latest posts by Joan McNerney (see all)
- Wonder Lotion - October 8, 2024
- Knave - June 27, 2024
- My Parallel Joan - March 11, 2024
