Our Own Magic,” Jolyn H. Ohlendorf

Our Own Magic

Jolyn H. Ohlendorf

Saginaw, I believe, has a magic to it A slanted magic, yes, No one would deny that But if you bend your head to just that tilt You’ll see it: The dusty fire-orange light hitting twisted trees in the dawn The stubborn wild daisies battling valiantly against mown grass The man with the cardboard sign daring you to look him in the eye The cat with the chopped-off tail grooming itself with arrogance The woman who reads to her child though she is weary working three jobs Angle your head just right—you will see it And soon you’ll find yourself believing In the magic of Saginaw