Saltwater Woman

by Cynthia Anderson

 
she’s at the littoral
where churning tides
wear away stone
making space
out of none
 
vibrant green
her long, fine hair
swirls everywhere
as waves rush
into her womb
 
all around her
starfish arms
anemone mouths
spiny urchins
drenched with spume
 
avatar of foam
she travels
the old way
star seed
of ancient days
 
she waits
until you’re
mesmerized
enters your blood
and never leaves


* * * * *
 
"Saltwater Woman" was first published in Natural Inspirations, Inlandia Institute, and is part of Cynthia Anderson's new collection Arrival (Sheila-Na-Gig Editions, 2023).

Cynthia Anderson has published a dozen poetry books, most recently Arrival (Sheila-Na-Gig Editions, 2023) and Full Circle (Cholla Needles Press, 2022). Her poems appear frequently in journals and anthologies, and her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net. She has lived in California for over 40 years. www.cynthiaandersonpoet.com