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by Jeannie E. Roberts

she’s not ready to mildew wither crumble decay   

decline dissolve wane fade away give up go under

droop go to pot she’s not ready not ready not ready

to rot she’s not ready to cease molder perish submit

throw in the towel standstill quit surrender halt

putrefy stop she’s not ready not ready not ready

to drop she’s ready to mingle unite rumble roar

roll in the aisles leap through the door lob fear

to the shallows toss death to the wind she’s ready

she’s ready she’s ready to live

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Jeannie E. Roberts has authored six books, including The Wingspan of Things, a poetry chapbook (Dancing Girl Press, 2017), Romp and Ceremony, a full-length poetry collection (Finishing Line Press, 2017), Beyond Bulrush, a full-length poetry collection (Lit Fest Press, 2015), and Nature of it All, a poetry chapbook (Finishing Line Press, 2013). Her second children's book, Rhyme the Roost! A Collection of Poems and Paintings for Children, was recently released by Daffydowndilly Press, an imprint of Kelsay Books, 2019. She is Poetry Editor of the online literary magazine Halfway Down the Stairs. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her drawing and painting, or outdoors photographing her natural surroundings.