THE HOLDING

The Holding: in our grass
You see— hidden, 
The soil composed of
The Nails, the Teeth,
And The Skin now tanned. 
Eyes long turned
To sap-rock.  
Cud blackening: likened
To rough oil— 
Although dry in palms.

This earth grows only weeds—
Soured by acids.
Dig up, find the lowly meat
And use the ash
For forgiveness.

COLE BEAUNE, originally from Ontario, Canada, is currently attending the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, pursuing his undergraduate English degree and a French minor.  He has been previously  published by Creative Communication for his poem "Nocturnal.”