Sample Poems by Naomi Feigelson Chase

Five More Deaths by Dreams

We’re on an ice floe. I’m in a big hat.
He’s swept away.

In an old Vienna tintype, my father wears a dress,
Like Irish boys, to fool the gods.

I kerosened my marriage wig, dropped a match on it
To stop our war.

“Take your toothbrush,” Aunt told Uncle,
When the SS came for him.

There is always someone I’m in love with.
Who wrote this down.

Einstein’s Train

Pandemonium on the top floor.
Take the steps, mother.

The train rushes past, empty.
Mother stumbles

In her flowered housedress,
Black, laced shoes.

Do I save myself or die with her.
Would she save me.

The train was going backwards.
Where am I in my daughter’s story.

The Dead Like Kites

Arms like sails,
They shake their salt

Down on the world,
On me,

Like tar glitter,
Warning shots across the bow.

What if, obedient,
I offer them

A Roman niche
On my heart’s slate hearth,

Feed them
The day’s first bowl of rice.

What if I offer nothing
But rough bandage,

Splinters that hobble me,
Hands that clap ears shut,

And robed in grave grass,
Join them.