“Ghost Tea” Published in Harmony Lit Magazine

Posted byJennifer PatinoPosted inpoetryTags:, , , , , , , , ,

My poem “Ghost Tea” is included in the debut issue of Harmony Lit! I’m very honored this piece found a home in their “Through the Veil” themed issue. You should check out this youth-led publication. It has a stunning layout. You can read it HERE. Thanks everyone for all of your support & encouragement. I’m really enjoying being so active in the poetry world again.

Tomorrow I’m going to be reading at Crooked Tree Arts Center here in Traverse City as part of the Fall Exhibit. 8 writers were invited to write ekphrastic pieces on some of the art works on display & I was both surprised & elated to be invited.

I’m nearly finished editing my chapbook for the Michigan Writers contest and hope to be sending that in next month. Busy, busy, busy.

Since the text for the poem in the issue may be difficult to read, I am sharing the poem here as well:

Ghost Tea // Jennifer Patino

Who wore this vivid floral pattern
before I?   A 60s housewife
patiently rocking her fussy babe
to sleep?   A young at heart
grandmother whooping
from the center of the Bingo Hall
after a jackpot win?   A young
college girl at a mixer, filling
up her dance card with
potential husbands?

And who else drank from this
chipped cup?        A widow
in mourning?   A wealthy lady
entertaining old friends?
A lonely poetess contemplating
the shapes in the sun dappling
outside her kitchen window?

Phantoms in these vintage threads
caress my skin, reassure me of
their presence.   This tea comes
from another time and it tickles
my tongue with old stories.
This afternoon’s sunbeams
provide both spotlights
and shadows the former
owners now feel free to sway
or tuck away in.   I am happy
to see them here and they tell
me that I wear the frock well.

Thanks again, everyone!

Featured Image by Dorothe from Pixabay

Published by Jennifer Patino

Poet in Michigan.

19 thoughts on ““Ghost Tea” Published in Harmony Lit Magazine”

  6. Really powerful poem with a haunting beauty Jennifer! Reminded me a little of the Joan Baez song, ‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone?’ Also, a bit of Leonard Cohen! I read this poem three/four times to get it fully, and throroughly enjoyed it! Best wishes for all your readings, and the forthcoming contest!

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  9. Congratulations, Jennifer, on being published in the new zine and also for being invited to do a reading. The poem is fabulous and inventive. I like your imaginings in it. Best of good judging from the chapbook submission. You’re in a good spot in TC with the writers group being based there. I am on their email list for happenings and it seems like they are very active.

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