SWWIM sustains and celebrates women poets by connecting creatives across generations and by curating a living archive of contemporary poetry, while solidifying Miami as a nexus for the literary arts.

The Ghost on the Water

—Inspired by Matthew 14:22-36


Why do I cover my eyes while at the helm of my ship?

The heavy clouds collect over me, applauding their arrival,
marching through the wind. The drunken current takes me.

How could I find the way to shore if I crack my compass?
Letting it slip into the space where possibilities drown.

I cannot steer. On an empty vessel, I clamor,
“Someone, take my place!”

Through the crowding mist, you loosen my grip,
releasing my eyes. Waves like stalagmites tower
from every vantage but my eyes are now open.


Lissette Lendeborg is an award-winning and published writer from Miami, Florida. Lendeborg has been recognized by the John F Kennedy Center of Performing Arts with its Playwright Discovery Award. She has prose published in Litro Magazine and individual poems published in several anthologies. Now she proudly presents her first collection of poetry, published by Finishing Line Press. Having graduated from New York Film Academy, from their filmmaking conservatory, she now works to build her craft and artistry to tell stories through screenwriting as well as prose and poetry.


The author grants permission.

 

 
 

Lissette Lendeborg’s latest book is Roots (Or, This May Be Where I Came From). Visit with her and her work at the Miami Book Fair 2022 on 11/19 at 1:30 pm in Room 6100. Cover art by: Ty Davis, “Duality.”

 

 
 

Welcome to SWWIM Every Day’s preview coverage of Miami Book Fair (MBF) 2021! The poets whose work you’ll be reading every weekday from October 25 through November 12 are just a few of the many authors from around the world participating in this year’s MBF, the nation’s largest gathering of writers and readers of all ages. They all look forward to sharing their work, thoughts, and ideas both in person and online. Between November 14 and November 21, new poet conversations and readings will be launched and available for free on miamibookfaironline.com (in addition to other content). For more information, visit the website and follow MBF on Instagram and Twitter at @miamibookfair and use the hashtag #miamibookfair2021.

 
 

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