Dawn Parker

Dawn Parker

Dawn Parker is an English - Creative Writing major at Fresno State University, graduating May 2025. She has published poems and stories in hais: a literary journal and Elephant Eyes. Within her writing, primarily in fiction, she focuses on experimental forms and themes of family. Dawn serves as the 2024-2025 Co-Executive Editor for the San Joaquin Review literary journal.

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Ode to Bloody Knuckles 

Because violet roses are blossoming 

over the backs of my hands, 

I know not to get into brawls 

with walls of cement or plaster 

that leave stains of ruby sorrow 

across the cream, bumpy surface 

where I used to imagine 

I could see the shapes of 

dogs or hearts or 

faces that I could pummel until 

they stopped laughing 

at my tear stained cheeks 

and scarlet beaded eyes. 

All I hear now as 

cold peas burn my leaking knuckles 

is the chuckles of those faces 

that egg me on to 

try again.