for Jess
I understand your independent grandeur
my lonesome friend
so drink a whiskey river
of cloudless beauty
wander in love dust
see the rugged moon
& ride me raw
like a rough individual
on top
try it
believe my song
wily world
cowboys blow open night
steer her clean palate
and live in the saddle horseback poet
philosophy dude
lonely coyote
funny dog
or big bluff
Elizabeth Allen’s poetry has appeared in many major literary journals as well as in the Best Australian Poems 2012. Her chapbook, Forgetful Hands, was published by Vagabond Press in 2005 and her first collection, Body Language, was released in 2012 and won the Anne Elder Award.