Poets and artists published in Spectrum Online Edition: September Song are invited to read in the patio of Rosebud Coffee on 2302 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena or at the Saturday Afternoon Poetry Zoom meeting on Saturday, September 17th between 3 and 5 pm PDT.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Kim Schroeder

Ecuador Cries


Strumming his armadillo-shell guitar 

he ululates a lament. His daughter 

wrestles with a ‘poncho as cover’

restless as the guinea pigs corralled 

in a corner of the kitchen.


He is with waterfalls, rainforests,

volcanic peaks which imprint like a 

four thousand year old rubber stamp. 

He’s aware of the smell of llamas.


His wife prepares flax he’ll weave 

in the Inca tradition of colour and meaning.   

His back will ache after hours 

on the loom he wears 

like an ice cream seller at the cinema.


He chants in descant to sweet squeaks -

they suddenly cease. His wife rodeos a feast.   

Oils sizzle his consciousness like acid rain.   


His daughter grimaces with arms 

halo-ing her head like a deep-fried  

South American delicacy.   

He begins a lullaby.


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