Swat

by Paula J. Lambert / July 6th, 2025

In the news today, the wretched
obscene news, a desperate family
surrounded by rushing waters.
One by one, they’re plucked
and carried away. The helpless man
holding his phone stays with them
as long as he can, just heads now,
bobbing and spinning like seals,
till they disappear.

Paula J. Lambert’s work has been recognized by PEN America and supported by the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. She lives in Columbus with her husband Michael Perkins, a philosopher and technologist. More at www.paulajlambert.com. Paula J. Lambert is an award-winning poet from Columbus, Ohio. Her most recent collection is The Ghost of Every Feathered Thing (FutureCycle 2022). Read other articles by Paula J., or visit Paula J.'s website.

This article was posted on Sunday, July 6th, 2025 at 8:00am and is filed under Poetry.