JENNIFER MILLER

SPRING ISSUE #08 POET

Jennifer Miller was born and raised in the North Georgia Mountains and currently resides in lower Alabama. She explores themes of earth-centered spirituality and women’s empowerment in her poetry. Her works have appeared in Rebelle Society, SageWoman, and several feminist anthologies. She has a fondness for black cats, well-stocked libraries, full moons, and the perfect cup of tea. Visit her website at quillofthegoddess.com.

BETWEEN THE MANTLE AND THE SHELL

An oyster will take two to six years
to produce a pearl
from some irritating particle
or parasite that crossed
the boundary
and settled into the space
between the mantle and the shell.

It produces nacre,
layer by iridescent layer,
one micron at a time
until the intruder
is transformed
into something rare
and highly valued.

This is the work of poets—
to feel between our mantle and shell,
to see what gems can be made
from suffering—
and then to open our mouths
and offer them.