Swamp Lesson, Jack Bedell

1st Place Winner of the "In the Woods Somewhere" Contest

My uncle taught me

not to fear noises

in the swamp. Nothing

that wants your blood

will make a sound.

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Jack B. Bedell is Professor of English and Coordinator of Creative Writing at Southeastern Louisiana University where he also edits Louisiana Literature and directs the Louisiana Literature Press. His latest collection is Color All Maps New (Mercer University Press, 2021). He served as Louisiana Poet Laureate 2017-2019.