Proffering Ornamentation
by Marge Ballif Simon
A crone embroidering star systems
in given combinations of constellations,
stitches by light from dying suns,
willing her task to end a delicate composition,
to tie the threads, completing the colorful web
complex as biostrains of multiples,
promising elements to sensate organisms;
garments to decorate the goddesses,
as galaxies to adorn figments of a woman's dreams.
Shaking out the stellar robe, she sighs,
stands to stretch her arms, then dons
the multi complex hues of finery herself;
the seamstress earns attendance to a gala
where no mortal clock chimes night's demise.
First published in Isis Rising.
Copyright © 2000, Marge Ballif Simon
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Planetary Nebula MZ 3 |
Marge Ballif Simon freelances as a writer-poet-illustrator for genre and mainstream publications such as Nebula Awards 32, Strange Horizons, Extremes, Magazine of Speculative Fiction, Space & Time, Dreams & Nightmares, Dark Regions, Fantasy Magazine, The Pedestal Magazine, EOTU, and Tales of the Unanticipated. She has illustrated three Stoker award collections. Artist of Antithesis is her newest collection of poetry and art and was a Stoker finalist this year. She also edits Star*Line, digest of the SF Poetry Association.
In addition to her solo work, Marge also collaborates with her husband, writer-poet Bruce Boston. Their poems and stories have appeared or are forthcoming in Strange Horizons, Dark Regions, Talebones, Dreams & Nightmares, Star*Line, and Fantasy Commentator.