Grizzlies

In this liminal period at the start of a new year, surmounting obstacles in a dreamscape

Nicholas Trandahl is an award-winning poet residing in northern Wyoming. He is the author of seven poetry collections and his work has been featured in numerous literary journals, including but not limited to the Santa Fe Literary Review, Deep Wild Journal, Voices de la Luna, and the James Dickey Review. He has been nominated several times for the Pushcart Prize and was the recipient of the Wyoming Writers Milestone Award. Trandahl is an journalist, editor, outdoorsman, and military veteran, currently serving as mayor of his community.

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In the wake 
of an obstacle 
currents taste sweet 
as coconut water 
but I can’t remember 
the name of the man 
in my dream 
grizzly-mauled. 
I hide in brambles 
as it lumbers by 
with scarlet claws. 
One of my daughters fixes 
me a berry sandwich. 
I eat it 
              ravenous. 
                             I am safe. 

I am ready 
              to boast. 

Candlelight 
from somewhere 
twists 
               in darkness. 

I listen
for meltwater.

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