The walls of the cabin were damp with rain.
The honeworts at the door were sotted with scent.
All night the woodchuck gnawed at the floor,
Sawtooth incisor, unearthly call.
I, in the eaves, and you, at your post, stared
In the dark and the silence it rent. Dawn.
Damp with rain were the walls of the cabin.
And the honeworts outside, sotted with scent.
Susan Wheeler (born 1955) is a prominent American poet and educator known for her inventive and intellectually engaging verse. Born in Washington, D.C., Wheeler’s poetry often explores themes of language, identity, and contemporary life through a sharp and innovative style. Her notable collections include Bag of Moods (2001) and Record Palace (2013), which showcase her ability to blend formal experimentation with a keen observational eye. Wheeler has received acclaim for her distinctive voice and rigorous approach to poetry. In addition to her writing, she has taught at various institutions, including Princeton University and the University of Arizona.