Once,
a tree turned in
to
time,
a
blue
wing
like
a distorted shadow
descending to-
wards a moment of danger
bent gently
like the opening fronds of a fern.
The window that
is wonder
leads to the
green
veil nobody sees,
the
final kneading.
~ An erasure of page 9 in Margaret Atdwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale
14 thoughts on "Once,"
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so chilling
because it’s coming true.
thanks Karen
Yes, that’s what struck me in writing it.
Another poem that hits hard. Karen, this is incredible. My favorite part:
” The window that
is wonder
leads to the
green
veil nobody sees,”
So haunting!
Thank you, H.A.
I love the opening line so much.
Thank you, Sarah.
The fact that source page came from The Handmaid’s Tale is chilling. Your erasures are the best!
Thank you, Linda!
Good gracious, Karen. You leave us wannabe erasure writers moaning in despair.
Thank you, Kevin. I find writing erasures addictive.
great erasure and so chilling!
I love how the space becomes part of the poem here.
Your poems make me believe in the magic of words! Love the nuances/homonyms of “kneading.”
Wow!
a tree turned in
to
time,