Verdad Magazine Volume 31
Fall 2021, Volume 31
Poetry by Paul Ilechko
Blessing
It was a blessing
the animals in their cages
without sadness their breath
as slow as ice in motion
their love as deep as a broken
century relinquishing shards of
time like last year’s oak leaves
if there’s only one way out
of here I expect to see you
again before you leave
your mask loose around your
collar an untouched
coffee cup next to your hand
believe in the animals
nothing else will save you.
BIO: Poet and songwriter Paul Ilechko is the author of three chapbooks, most recently Pain Sections (Alien Buddha Press). His work has appeared in a variety of journals, including The Night Heron Barks, Rogue Agent, Ethel, San Pedro River Review, Lullwater Review, and Book of Matches. He lives with his partner in Lambertville, NJ.