Murmur
Heart wrapped in a nest of frankincense
aorta flesh and fluid, the serpent to lick your ears.
Kingfisher lights on your shoulder and murmurs,
a lady of spells as you flower and flower in fertility
that unfolds in the fragrant Book of an ordinary day
when god is a woman.
Rikki Santer’s collection, Resurrection Letter was grand prize short-listed for the Eric Hoffer Book Award and Shepherd’s Hour, won the Paul Nemser Book Prize from Lily Poetry Review Books. In 2023, she was named Ohio Poet of the Year and in 2026 she will be the Artist-in-Residence at the Fran Ryan Center in Columbus, Ohio. Please contact her through her website, https://rikkisanter.com.