In one version of her story,
she left Jerusalem for France
by boat, crossing a patrolled sea.
In France, she contemplated.
She dreamed not of Christ but Her
Ladies. Her Ladies sang. Her Ladies
marked the stars. Her Ladies revealed
the length of the gown of God.
She saw Her Ladies in trees,
black women climbing or reclining
on branches like blossoms,
and knew them in her heart.
from Tenderness, Boa Editions, 2022
Derrick Austin is the author of Tenderness (BOA Editions, 2021) and Trouble the Water (BOA Editions, 2016). His first chapbook, Black Sand, is recently out from Foundlings Press. He is a 2022-2023 Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Scholar.
April 2022
Arts + Literature Laboratory is located at 111 S. Livingston Street #100, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703.
Our galleries are open Tuesday through Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday noon to 5pm, and other programs take place throughout the week. Please check the events calendar and education section for details.