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Amy Ballard

Amy Ballard

Amy Ballard writes and teaches in southern Idaho. Her work has appeared in Barely South Review, Penultimate Peanut, and elsewhere.

Oxidation

Mar 5, 2025

by Amy Ballard

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Photo by Ray Bilcliff: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-fence-near-body-of-water-1591930/

The effect of salt air on metal
Over time
These key rings have rusted in just one year
They were new
Last summer
When two laughing girls hung them with their towels
On the weathered fence
Before that last swim

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People still swim there
The waves rush the shore

We share this oxidation
This speed morbidity
This salt water we draw in
With every breath

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Amy Ballard
Amy Ballard

Written by Amy Ballard

Amy Ballard writes and teaches in southern Idaho. Her work has appeared in Barely South Review, Penultimate Peanut, and elsewhere.