IT’S A WAY TO DIE

to know it. 
Katie’s friend 
from church 
rubs her feet 
with oil. 
A neighbor 
says goodbye. 
A wolf’s mouth 
opens. Katie 
walks forward. 
Snow blinds her. 
Branches scrape 
her face. The wolf 
clicks, howls. 
Katie is blown out. 
The floor tips 
her. She kicks 
black water, 
her face 
in the foam. 
Her father stands 
chest high 
in waves, takes
her outstretched hands.  

Barbara Daniels’ most recent book, Talk to the Lioness, was published by Casa de Cinco Hermanas Press. Her poems have appeared in many journals, including Cider Press Review, One Art, The Lake, The MacGuffin, and The Shore. She received four fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Thanks for all you do.