Of No Matter
Nance Van Winckel
The Little Sisters of Saint Teresa bring back
full flasks from the river, laughing, flicking
water on each other. It's all right
since the jugs have not yet been blessed
and the water inside is still icy
from the deepest eddies. Yes, bring on
the vespers. Walk us a few steps
nearer the silly veiled ones
on the footbridge, while the priest continues
napping. By the time he blesses that water,
it will be warmed through
by the girls' laughter. So it's of no matter
if we take off our shoes and stand awhile
in the current. The girls' husband is everywhere
and nowhere. On and off, the sunlight of wedlock,
striking their gold bands, has married
and unmarried them
from the river.
Tables of Content
Seventeen (Fall 2003)
Sixteen (Spring 2003)
Fifteen (Fall 2002) Fourteen (Spring 2002)
Thirteen
(Fall 2001) Twelve (Spring 2001)
Eleven (Fall 2000)
Ten (Spring 2000)
Nine (Fall 1999) Eight (Spring 1999)
Seven, (Fall 1998) Six, (Spring 1998)
Five (Fall 1997) Four (Winter/Spring 1997)
Three (Summer/Fall 1996) Two (Winter 1996)