George Ella Lyon

George Ella Lyon is the author of four books of poetry, a novel, a memoir, and a short story collection as well as thirty-seven books for young readers.  Her honors include an Al Smith Fellowship, fellowships to the Hambidge Center for the Arts, numerous  grants from The Kentucky Foundation for Women, a Pushcart Prize nomination, and a feature in the PBS series, The United States of Poetry.  A native of Harlan County, Kentucky, Lyon works as a freelance writer and teacher based in Lexington. 
For more information, go to www.georgeellalyon.com

photo: Ann W. Olson

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WHAT I LOOKED LIKE IN THE 80’S

A blur chasing a small boy.

A face behind a windshield, hand on the wheel.

A short, round, ever rounder woman

with another boy becoming inside.  A  milk-dripper.

Stretch-pants and loose-top mama cradling a baby in 
 
one arm and handing out orange slices to the soccer team

with the other. Curly-headed woman in an ink-spotted gown

divining words to lead me to this poem.