Spring Running River: Nancy Malone Issenberg

nonfiction:: poetry::
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Nancy Malone Issenberg moved with her family to Central Florida when she was 12. At about the same time (in the fifth grade), she began writing poetry, and has pursued the art ever since. After high school, she attended the University of Florida at Gainesville, but ended her studies there when she moved to West Virginia with her husband (a native West Virginian) and her infant son. She graduated from Bluefield State College (Bluefield, West Virginia) in June 1992.

Presently Issenberg works for Children's Home Society, wirting grants and publicity materials, although she has worked as a social worker since 1991. Her poetry has been published in several literary magazines. In the selection of poems presented here, Issenberg reveals a keen appreciation for the grandeur of the natural world and a sharp insight into human society, not always so grand.

spring running river
nancy malone issenberg

A long curving mirror stretched away among the hills

only a few chips marred its swift running surface
the million year old heads barely rising against the water
pushing it upward as a herd of lolling tongues
newborn leaves echoed at the edges
casting tranquil shadows

the vast mirror cracked
at the twin montain's squeezing grasp
and coupled geese rose honking as a two note chorus
when I yelled "right!" at the great rock in the surprised water

the transaction

Chin resting on her breast
The pale mother creeps into the lumber yard office
Clutching two boards off some old drooping barn
Leaning toward its final resting place,
Stands silently in front of the woman at the desk
Until she asks, "Do you want to sell the boards?"
Knowing the transaction is all there is to their long relationship
The bowed head nods, thirteen dollars slide across the table
Just as she reaches for it the voice asks another question,
"Will he beat you if I don't give you the money?"
Imperceptible nod, the money crosses to the small hand
And flees the building.