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Nancy Simpson's LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE, New and Selected Poems was published by Carolina Wren Press (N.C. Laureate Series, 2010.) She is the author of ACROSS WATER and NIGHT STUDENT, State Street Press, still available on WWW at Alibris and Books Again. Her poems have been published in Southern Poetry Review, Prairie Schooner, The Georgia Review and other literary magazines. "Carolina Bluebirds" was published in THE POETS GUIDE TO THE BIRDS, Anhinga Press). "Grass" was reprinted in the 50th Anniversary Issue of Southern Poetry Review: DON'T LEAVE HUNGRY ( U.of Arkansas Press.) Seven poems were reprinted in the textbook, SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN POETRY,(McFarland.) Two poems were published in SOLO CAFE, Two more poems were published in SOLO NOVO."In the Nantahala Gorge" was published in Pisgah Review. "Studying Winter" was reprinted in Pirene's Fountain Anthology and "The Collection" in Collecting Life Anthology. Most recently, Southern Poetry Review Edited by James Smith, published "Our Great Depression," and The Southern Poetry Anthology Vol. VII: NORTH CAROLINA,Edited by William Wright, reprinted "Leaving in the Dead of Winter."

Thursday, October 22, 2009

TWO POEMS BY GLENDA COUNCIL BEALL on this her Birthday






Violent Scene from Yellowstone’s Valiant Wild


A young male strode down the mountainside,

crossed the road, strutted into shallow waters

of the Gallatin river. He stalked the old bull elk

on the other side.


Grazing alone in burned out woods, the herd master

ignored the gauntlet for a while, then like a rattler

striking, charged from the bank. The clash of antlers

cracked like breaking pines in an ice storm, rolling sound

upstream and down. Silently I cheered the scarred-back leader.


On land once more, the battle halted

while both tried to maneuver bony-branched horns

between the lodge poles. A minute’s rest

then back into the current.


Strong hind quarters, taunt neck muscles, bunched

like iron cables, pushed, retreated, up and down

the icy stream. The match wore on for more

than twenty minutes.


Heads low, antlers commingled like old bones

collected in a basket, until the young stud forced

his aging foe beneath the water’s surface, held him there.


The veteran of a life of valiant clashes

broke free at last, crashed and splashed

downstream bleating like a lamb who's lost his mother.


Posing for cameras on the roadside,

the victor, centered in the roaring river,

raised his head and shook his massive rack,

bugled his triumphant call to his new harem.




Mountain Seagull


Mountains stretch like layers,

Payne's Grey parchment,

growing fainter

as they reach toward

pale cerulean sky.

The Bald pokes its head

up through a cottony mist.


Lake Chatuge wraps the mountains,

lapping love, cool in coves

tucked tightly between peaks.

Sailboats, triangles, red and yellow

wrapping paper, swiftly blow

before the wind that rustles

maples, locust trees

where songbirds rest.


My spirit soars above the scene

a seagull far from home,

But yearning to embrace

and build a nest.


Two Poems by Glenda Council Beall

3 comments:

Glenda said...

I love this photo, Nancy. Thanks again for posting my poems.
I'm told the books will arrive in the coming week.

I will have books in my hands by next weekend, I hope, and will be happy to take orders anytime. Contact me at writerlady21@yahoo.com

Nancy Simpson said...

Glenda,

Yes, It's a very good picture of you.


I had no problem ordering my book a few months ago. Now I can't find the exact URL address.
I think they will post it soon, and when they do I will put a link up on my site.

Meanwhile I suggest anyone who wants a copy shoud order directly from you.

I look forward.

Glenda Council Beall said...

Yes, I will have my books in my hands by next Tuesday, I'm told. To order from me, e-mail writerlady21@yahoo.com or send check for $13 to Glenda Beall, 581 chatuge Lane, Hayesville, 28904. I will be happy to sign books for family and friends if bought for gifts.