SMP

Alone (ISBN # 1-929202-19-9) is Thomasson's first collection of  poetry--containing thirty-two poems on subjects ranging from birth, death, love, and nature.  Each poem is accompanied by a photo from Thomasson's own collection. The collection is spiral-bound and contains all color photos.

                                            EVERGLADES

by Clarissa Thomasson

A "River of Grass"--so the Seminoles say--

Where tropical breezes set the sawgrass to sway

O'er miles of flat prairie in a study of greens

From hammocks to marshes and slow-moving streams.

Where palmettos, slash pines, and cabbage palms vie

For a dry bit of ground on their quest for the sky.

Bald eagles and ospreys awaiting their prey

Nest in cypress tree branches now withered and gray.

While way down below in the swamp at their feet

Gray-green alligators all bask in the heat.

Their sloe-eyed indifference a ploy to ensnare

All innocent creatures who come near their lair.

Knee-deep in green algae a blue heron stabs

A sumptuous dinner of small gar and crabs.

Where nearby white ibis and pink spoonbills seek

Small fish and crustaceans in the mud of the creek.

A flash of white wings tinged with golden sunlight--

Signals closing of day as an egret takes flight.

With pulsating wings and harsh, raucous cries

The sky comes alive 'til the setting sun dies.

And soon--darting swiftly through palmetto fronds--

Sly Will-o-the-Wisps leap and dance on the ponds.

Whirling hither and yon on their feet made of flame

O'er dark, dank swamp water they pursue their game.

Fat bullfrogs leap up to a lily pad seat,

Tune their voices in chorus, and take up the beat.

"Who? Who?" asks the owl natives call "o-pa-gee,"

His place rich in legends of Miccosukee.

Then down to the bank creeps a saucy raccoon

To search for a fish by the pale, waning moon.

Soon out of the thicket prance sprightly key deer,

Sniff the air once for danger, then romp without fear.

While out of the dens hungry panthers arise.

Through bracken and mangrove glow bright yellow eyes.

The evening resounds with a primeval call

As blackness descends to cover it all.