Debra Franke writer/poet/photographer
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Palm of Your Hand

May 7, 2021
Palm of Your Hand

Linoleum was cool under my small feet,
kitchen walls drenched in yellow light–
half-light, suppertime light

light folding in on itself, dusk-foraging
sundown, bird tracks tracing musky
pines.

You stood like a kildeer before me, sandy-brown feathery hair
framing your 8 year old face, sharp shoulder bones
and feather-slips of memory;

kildeer–
running from your family nest
to mislead harm.

It was my palm you said.
The reason I am here.
He held it to the the stove, my punishment

for stealing. (But I didn’t steal, you said.)

I think now of our magical thinking
back then. How children believe:
we made it happen.

He said you did it. So you did it.
Isn’t that right? Wasn’t the truth always made

by the male voice who spoke it?

The shape of an island on
your palm, red like a fire,
white gauze wrapped around,

like a summer cloud.

It was more of a storm cloud though–
fiery with lightning flying down

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Writing For Wellness

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About Me

I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a writer, poet, and creative, as well as dreamer, runner, and Librarian. I am an advocate for language, voice, and creative storytelling, and anyone facing mental illness, trauma, homelessness, and more. I have my MA (CW and Englist Lit) and my BA Honours in Psychology. I have been published in several Canadian literary magazines and I am working on completed two poetry manuscripts. Click here to find out more.

About Me

Writer/Poet/Creative, Photographer, Librarian, Dog Lover, Taco Enthusiast, and Advocate for those struggling with mental health, homelessness, trauma, and marginalization.

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Thank you for signing up! Feel free to write me anytime, to comment on posts, ask questions, or simply connect. I am so glad you are here.

In the meantime, here is the link to my Course page in case you want to browse the available workshops and courses: COURSES.

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Copyright © 2021 Debra Franke

Copyright © 2021 Debra Franke
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