In order to view this poem with the line breaks the author intended, we suggest reading it on a computer screen or in the landscape orientation on your phone or tablet.

Any Day Now
Mary Mercier

How is it possible that,
in all these years,
I did not recognize the source—
that scent suggesting places far away,
maybe islands, maybe woods—
something one would like to hold
in the shell of one’s hand?

And now on this walk you tell me
the air is spiced with sycamore?
But I know that tree—
I grew up with its width
and breadth. Still, I hurry now
to its wallpapered trunk
and sink my face
into its sleeves

and find these velvet, veined leaves—they have it!
How could I miss this knowing
for so long? But no matter, I am in love
with the finding. And more and more
as the years roll on I find myself rejoicing
in all I do not know
but yet may find

and it could be any day now,
could be now, right now
on this everyday walk
with you.

—
Mary Mercier is a poet inspired by nature, flight, and the barking of crows. Her poems have appeared in Blueline, Common Ground Review, Stoneboat, The Comstock Review, and other journals. New work is forthcoming in Northern Woodlands.

Know anyone who might appreciate reading Mary’s poem?
Why not share the link to this page?

Have you read these poems:
The Yearbook of the Mind by Gabriella Brand
Sounding Board by Susan Roney O’Brien

Table of Contents