Translucent, sealed. | Megan Merchant

 Megan Merchant graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas after completing her M.F.A degree in poetry. Her poems and translations have appeared in publications including the Atlanta Review, Kennesaw Review, Margie, International Poetry Review and The Poetry of Yoga. She was the winner of the Las Vegas Poets Prize, judged by Tony Hoagland.  Translucent, Sealed, is her first chapbook publication though Dancing Girl Press. Her first full-length collection, Gravel Ghosts, is forthcoming though Glass Lyre Press.  Her first children’s book, These Words I’ve Shaped For You, will be appearing in 2016 through Philomel Books. Her future is bright.  She wears shades.       Toast   Body of blush, purple-veined skin stretched like dream,   where white clothes hang there is the slightest hint.   Your breath, not a whisper, but an entry, a tiny fishing   boat fighting the swallow of sea, where sleep is stone.   All the witnesses have retired to wandering the streets,   looking for the woman wh