Archive of New Mexico Poetry – Linda Monacelli-Johnson

Sanctuary

In a summer drizzle
if I take refuge
under cottonwoods,
they become a vaulted
ceiling. Though darts sting

the river and pellets
strike leaves, so few drops
come through
they can’t snuff out
the candle flame.

About the Poet
This poem is from Linda Monacelli-Johnson’s third book, Campanile, published in 1999 by Drummer Press (Columbia, South Carolina). Monacelli-Johnson is a freelance writer and editor serving the Santa Fe area.