Ann Pibel - Rosaries
The bracelet rests against my pulse--
black strands threaded into colored floss.
I pray over this ribbon of hair, conjure
you as the bus I ride rolls roughly
through each intersection, but you don't rise for a stop
or step through the doorway.
A waiter sleeps across from me,
white shirt unbuttoned,
showing the brown rose of his nipple,
the outline of a heart, a skull, a name.
Esperé la luz, reads the sign above the exit.
I get off at West Adams and Figueroa,
enter the hushed air of St. Vincent de Paul's,
its reredos dim, alter vacant-- and sit for an hour,
counting the petals on a leftover flower.
Outside, the day's heat exhales from the sidewalk.
A lonely dog follows me halfway home.
You are living at the edge
of another continent,
where candle smoke hazes a new day.
Your kisses at her throat
bloom just like a necklace of stars.
Ann Pibel shared her poem with Departures in participation with National Poetry Month. You are invited to share yours as well.
Support for the Departures is provided through these funders as well as local community partners and viewers like you.
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CHANGE BEGINS AT HOME
Even with all the efforts for change from political, medical and public health communities, change ultimately begins at home. Consumers must begin to educate themselves and take action toward making healthier more just food decisions.
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ENSURING A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN
Children face enormous health risks because of the current system; therefore addressing child nutrition in government entities and in the home is critical to foster a new generation that will hopefully make conscious food choices.
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CHANGE AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL
Food change can easily begin at the community level with community gardens. Not only do these gardens increase food access, but they also transform neighborhoods in need of something beautiful and positive to identify with.
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THE SMALL FARM SOLUTION: BUILDING A HYPER LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM
Building a hyper local food system will ensure food security for everyone in the urban core, with local farmers once again supplying the city's demand with healthy produce.
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