Podcasts about Piney

All Black Billy Proctor is returning from South Africa with a fractured shoulder blade set to rule him out for up to 12 weeks. No replacement has been named, but Richie Mo'unga is in the reckoning. Former All Black Todd Blackadder joined Piney to raise concerns with this idea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday, Jason Pine ranks the best and worst sporting moments from the week that was - and everything in between. This week, he unpacked the NPC season, the Warriors beating out the Panthers and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB celebrates 100 years today, and veteran sports broadcaster Murray Deaker's been a key part of that history for decades. For more than 30 years, Murray Deaker's been inspiring debate and discussion, breaking big sports stories, and been interacting with some of the biggest names in Kiwi sport. He joined Piney to look back on some career highlights to mark the occasion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Saints will take on the Southland Sharks at ILT Stadium in Invercargill. Newstalk ZB sports commentator Nick Bewley joined Piney to discuss the grand final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap the start of the All Blacks' South Africa tour, with the team's victory over the Stormers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby is known for its physicality and heavy collisions and former All Blacks captain Sam Cane is advocating for some new safety measures. He's joined Helen Tufui, founder of the Headache Clinic, as an ambassador for Hit Kit, a rapid response concussion kit designed to help athletes, coaches, parents and sporting organisations respond quickly and confidently after a head knock. Sam Cane joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Otago and Canterbury are set to face off for the Ranfurly Shield at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Otago won the shield off Canterbury in September last year. Otago lock Will Stodart joined Piney to discuss the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Lisa Carrington has made New Zealand sporting history as an eight-time gold medallist, but she's acknowledged the journey that led to her sporting success. She's still got her heart set on continuing her canoeing hot streak at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, even with a baby on the way due for September. She joined Piney to look back on her athletic career and sporting legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shaky first outing for the All Blacks to open their tour of South Africa, the team needed a late surge to secure the win in Cape Town. The match was locked at 14-all before the All Blacks scored four tries in the final 15 minutes against the Stormers. Assistant Coach Mike Blair told Piney they're pleased to get the win, but there's plenty to work on as well. He says they loved the resilience the team had, but they're frustrated at a few of the missed opportunities they could've made on other days. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a turbulent year for Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker. After his loss to Fabio Wardley in London last October, Parker was provisionally suspended after returning a positive drug test. This week, the UK's Anti-Doping Agency lifted that suspension, clearing him to return to the ring. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn joined Piney to discuss where Parker sits in the heavyweight hierarchy following his return. He also weighs in on the unbeaten Australian up-and-comer Teremoana Teremoana, who headlines in Australia next week against fellow knockout artist DeAndre Savage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have strengthened their push for a top two finish with an impressive win over the Panthers. The third-placed Warriors pulled out to a 22-nil lead before their opponents threatened to make a late charge before ultimately going down 28-12 at Mt Smart. Assistant Coach Slade Griffin joined Piney to discuss their performance, praising his side's physicality and the impact of the pre-match haka led by James Fisher-Harris, which helped set the tone for a memorable night. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have sent another warning to the rest of the NRL with their 28-12 win over Penrith. Former Panthers star Ryan Girdler was at Mt Smart for the clash, and says seeing the atmosphere in person reinforces how dangerous the team could be if they secure a home final. He joined Piney to review the Warriors' dominant performance, Luke Metcalf's impressive return, and the rapid rise of exciting young forward Leka Halasima. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday, Jason Pine ranks the best and worst sporting moments from the week that was - and everything in between. This week, he talked about the end of the Commonwealth Games, the Warriors' victory on the Gold Coast and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are preparing for every game on the Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa like it's a test match. Tour captain Codie Taylor says they can't afford complacency in any of their eight matches, starting with the Stormers on Saturday morning. Sports Travel & Hospitality Head of Commercial joined Piney to discuss ahead of the tour kicking off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commonwealth Games are now complete, barring the closing ceremony. New Zealand have finished sixth on the medal table with 10 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze. In recent memory, that compares to fifth at Birmingham and Gold Coast, sixth at Glasgow in 2014 and 11th at Delhi. NZ Chef de Mission Nigel Avery joined Piney to recap the action and speculate on the future of the Games. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have maintained 3rd place on the NRL table after a 42-6 blitzing of the Titans on the Gold Coast. Warriors coach Andrew Webster was especially pleased former Titans Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Erin Clark, especially when Clark put a deft kick to Khan-Pereira who set up Leka Halasima to score. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap the continuing action from the Commonwealth Games. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Silver Ferns are confident they can snap their 16-year Commonwealth Games title drought. New Zealand hasn't won netball gold since the 2010 Delhi Games, but are into the Glasgow final against Jamaica - starting at midnight tonight. Former Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering joined Piney to preview the upcoming match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Kiwi tennis star Marcus Daniell has moved away from the court and into helping athletes connect with charities. Marcus is ​​the​​ executive director at High Impact Athletes, a non-profit organisation that he co-founded with fellow Olympian Hugo Inglis - which connects athletes with charities focused on global health, poverty, animal welfare and climate change. He joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The entirety of the All Blacks squad - minus Ardie Savea - have now arrived in Cape Town and they've been welcomed into the fortress they'll play at twice on the Greatest Rivalry tour. A public event was held at DHL Stadium, with around 5000 fans watching on. It's a city where the All Blacks have traditionally had strong support and they'll face the Stormers there next weekend as well as play the second test there. South African rugby writer Brendan Nel joined Piney to discuss ahead of next week's game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pedro Moreira won't be completely overhauling Auckland FC, as he begins his reign as the team's head coach. The new gaffer believes bringing his Portuguese style and adding it to the club's already championship-winning ways will drive continued successes in the men's A-League. Moreira joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Adams has forged out an NBA career that has spanned longer than a decade, which has seen him contribute to some of the NBAs best teams, and is widely regarded as one of the strongest players in the league. He's back in New Zealand for his offseason, where he's partnered with the One NZ Warriors to launch a nationwide fundraising campaign aimed at giving more Kiwi kids the opportunity to participate in sport. Adams told Piney their similar interests was behind their decision to partner with the Warriors. “Just trying to help out the youth, starting from grassroots, and just, yeah, supporting as many kids as possible.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

English cricket can't get enough of New Zealand coaches. Former Black Cap Stephen Fleming has been confirmed as the country's new test mentor, replacing former teammate Brendon McCullum. Cricket writer Cameron Ponsonby told Piney while they've gotten used to having the big kind of celebrity personality of McCullum over the last few years, it seems as though everyone wants things to calm down a bit. “It feels like an adult's been hired.” He says it helps that the two know each other, as it feels like the ex-girlfriend is still in the room, with McCullum coaching the white-ball squad. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden redemption for Eliza McCartney in the Women's pole vault at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She's taking home her first major championship win after beating Australian favourite Nina Kennedy on count back after clearing 4 metres 65 in cold weather. Athletics commentator and former Olympian Sarah Cowley-Ross told Piney it was so wonderful to see Eliza on top of the podium after such a long journey in the pole vault. She thinks McCartney's entering the championships injury-free for the first time in a long time, and it really shows. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Darts Masters is just around the corner. It'll bring the biggest names to our shores to compete against our best local talent. One of those names is World Championship finalist Gian van Veen, who told Piney there's definitely danger in the matches, as they've seen in the past that there's are a lot of good players in our corner of the world. He says it's also a good opportunity for local players to show the world what they're capable of. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the start of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the next steps for some All Whites after the FIFA World Cup and Ryan Fox's Open Championship victory. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi race driver Liam Sceats has recently been having success in Asia - following his earlier experience in the US. He joined Piney to discuss the last few months, and what's next with Lamborghini Asia endurance racing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have wrapped up their Nations Championship fixtures with three victories, but their next challenge looms. Their tour of South Africa is on the horizon, with coach Dave Rennie set to name his 44-man squad next week. Rugby Pass journalist Ben Smith and former Springbok Kevin Putt joined Piney to outline their preidctions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster has been blindsided by an 18-6 NRL defeat to the Bulldogs in Sydney. The visiting outfit were shutout in the first half, and scored their only try through Chanel Harris-Tavita as a consolation in the 74th minute. NZ Herald sports journalist Michael Burgess joined Piney to discuss the loss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A-League Men champions Auckland FC are set to face English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at Eden Park this afternoon. Both squads feature players who were involved in the FIFA World Cup, including some All Whites for the Kiwi side. New Auckland FC signing Aaron Calver joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's SailGP team claimed their first-ever regatta win in the global foiling league's stop in England in 2022 - and they're hoping to repeat that moment. SailGP returned to Great Britain this week, in Portsmouth rather than Plymouth this time, with the sailing getting underway this weekend. Black Foils co-CEO Peter Burling joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The matchup of the number eights could go a long way to deciding this afternoon's Super Rugby Aupiki final in Christchurch. Both sides call on Black Ferns loose forwards at the back of the scrum, with Kaipo Olsen-Baker starting for hosts Matatu. She'll go up against Blues number eight Liana Mikaele-Tu'u. Former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has indicated that CA is open to playing an Ashes Test match against England in India. The proposal would require backing from both the ECB and the BCCI to expand the reach of test cricket in the subcontinent. Australian correspondent Adam Peacock joined Piney to reveal what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand team have their first medals of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games - a pair of silvers in the pool. Lewis Clareburt and Erika Fairweather have finished second in the men's 200 metres individual medley and women's 400 metres freestyle, respectively. NZ swim coach David Lyles joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Dave Rennie took over the All Blacks coaching role, the team's been going smoothly, beating out France, Italy and Ireland at the Nations Championship. Next week, Rennie will name a 44-man squad for the first full All Blacks tour of South Africa since 1996. Coaching expert Wayne Goldsmith joined Piney to recap the 2026 year so far - as well as the early challenges Rennie faced. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty of history surrounds tonight's clash between the All Blacks and Ireland. Ireland's last visit to our shores saw them claim victory in two of the three tests in 2022, and the All Blacks' 32 year unbeaten streak at Eden Park may be on the line. As what's sure to be an intense match looms, Piney was joined by Frano Botica, a former All Black with a lot of history himself in the world of rugby. They discussed his incredible career both in international rugby union, and league, and the current teams. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 18th July 2026, Piney is broadcasting live from The Kingslander in Auckland, counting down to tonight's clash between the All Blacks and Ireland. He was joined by dual-international Frano Botica, 100 test All Black Mils Muliaina, and Irish rugby journo Murray Kinsella to preview the big test. He caught up with former Warriors captain, now Sky Sport commentator Monty Betham ahead of tonight's match against the Dragons. We headed across the ditch to get the latest from Adam Peacock, and English football commentator Mike Minay reviewed the tough World Cup semi-final loss. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tough challenge lies ahead for Dave Rennie's All Blacks. Their third Nations Championship clash will see them defend the Fortress against Ireland – aiming to maintain their 32 year unbeaten streak. Plenty of debate has surrounded the team since the season began, so former All Black Mils Muliaina joined Piney to give his expert analysis on the key selections and tactical talking points. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are back in the winner's circle and full of confidence as they search for back-to-back wins against the St George Illawarra Dragons this weekend in Auckland. After battling a severe mid-season injury crisis, they have named their strongest possible side as they look to maintain their position inside the NRL's top four. This week, they face the Dragons, who are in last place, but will provide an intriguing challenge for the Warriors. Former player and Sky Sport Commentator Monty Betham joined Piney to preview tonight's clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, Jase embarrasses himself at home again, Mike's cat clearly loves him and Keyzie going worldwide. Follow The Big Show on Instagram Subscribe to the podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Featuring Jason Hoyte, Mike Minogue, and Keyzie, "The Big Show" drive you home weekdays from 4pm on Radio Hauraki.Providing a hilarious escape from reality for those ‘backbone’ New Zealanders with plenty of laughs and out-the-gate yarns.Download the full podcast here:iHeartRadio Apple Spotify ROGER TIMEVASA-SHECK:(00:00) Intro: Another Semi!(04:14) Keyzie's lunch (07:10) What's On The Breakfast(11:45) Sports Headlines(14:48) The Semi!(19:06) QOTSA ARE COMING(22:05) Intro: Distracted by the game(23:45) What's On The News?(27:34) Jase's Tradie Debacle(32:02) Sports Headlines(34:50) Gifts From The Cat(39:04) Piney at Half Time!(44:02) Intro: The Bunnings Boys(46:13) Keyzie's Big Proposal(50:02) Pies That Pay(53:02) Sports Headlines(54:56) ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK(61:14) Bec Sandys Football Update!(64:27) The fellas' football wrap(67:01) Pugs saw The Odyssey(72:22) What's On Telly?Farewell! Follow The Big Show on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Jordan hopes he's inspired a new generation of rugby players after an historic achievement in Wellington. The All Blacks outside back scored a hat-trick in the 47-17 win over Italy, as he overtook Doug Howlett for the New Zealand test record, with 50 tries. He joined Piney to discuss the game-winning performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mixed emotions for Dave Rennie after the All Blacks' clunky 47-17 win over Italy in Wellington. Rennie was pleased a four-try burst in the 14 minutes after half-time turned the game, but believes they should have driven Italy into the turf. Former All Black and rugby analyst Ant Strachan joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jude Bellingham is England's hero after bagging a second consecutive World Cup brace to beat Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals in Miami. The winner came three minutes into extra time after scores were locked at 1-all at the end of regulation. Western Springs football director Scotty Hales joined Piney to discuss the win - and whether football could come home this time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites will have rare football internationals against India late this year, with matches scheduled for Auckland and Christchurch. The matches will be at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on Thursday, 12 November, and at Christchurch's Te Kaha Stadium on Sunday, 15 November. The games were announced by Sport Minister Mark Mitchell as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand. New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Noskova has become Wimbledon's 9th different women's singles champion in the past nine years, overcoming fellow Czech Karolina Muchova in the three-set final. Tennis commentator Craig Gabriel joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss England beating out Norway in the FIFA World Cup, and the All Blacks keeping their winning streak alive in Wellington against Italy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's men's American Football team, the Iron Blacks, is facing one of the biggest fixtures in their history. They're one of three teams facing Australia in the Festival of Football this weekend, and will be looking to overturn last year's agonising 20-16 defeat on the Gold Coast. Head Coach Harry Siono told Piney the result's been a huge motivation for those who played last year, as well as the coaches and staff who were around at the time. He says they have a fairly young squad, with 18 debutants, so this match is a bit more personal for them than it is to most people there. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Rush has made history. Back in May, she was the first woman to elected as President at New Zealand Rugby – the first in the organisation's 134-year history. She's long been involved in the sport – a former Black Fern, commentator, and a volunteer at the grassroots level, as well as NZR's first female vice-president. Rush told Piney having the role is a huge privilege, and they're not ones she knew existed before she was asked to stand for vice-president a few years ago. But now that she's here, her priorities for the next couple of years include continuing to elevate the voice for women and girls in the sport, which means making herself visible. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How good was that All Blacks test? I want to say I'm a little surprised by the number of commentators moaning about it and saying they're not impressed - but if I'm completely honest with you, I'm not that surprised. Some of the criticism is fair. There were fumbles, there were discipline issues, the French scored first, they threatened throughout the game and it was a very close scoreline in the end. But some of the criticism feels like it's still stuck in 2011, 2013 or 2015, back when the All Blacks were at their peak. The norm has changed. The Northern Hemisphere has caught up since then. The French are not a side to be underestimated. We do it every time. We say, "Oh, they're not sending a full-strength team." It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter whether they send an A team, a B team or a C team. They have so much depth in that competition now. They're good, whoever comes here. So I think we probably underestimated who we were playing and thought there should have been - what was it Piney said? - 12 or 13 points on the French. Plus, don't forget, this was the first test of the season and it is always a shaky start, especially lately, for the All Blacks. It's also the first test for a new coach and this was a team that had only been in camp together for, what, 10 days? Something like that. When you consider all of that, it was actually impressive. It was a confident start. It was fast-paced. It was full of opportunity. There was a hunger for possession. I loved it. I loved watching a team that wanted to win and seemed to have some idea of how it was going to do it. Yes, of course, the critics make some fair points and you have to acknowledge them. But the All Blacks showed some spark and, most importantly, they won. If it wasn't good, it was good enough, wasn't it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this Slush Pile encore, we're going WAY back to our first season where we revisit an episode featuring poems by Laura McCullough. McCullough has a collection forthcoming from Cornerstone Press called “The Collection Jar.” This episode also features the poet Jennifer L. Knox as a guest editor. Her most recent book is “Crushing It” from Copper Canyon Press. We hope you enjoy this look back into the archive.   In this podcast, we discuss three of Laura McCullough's poems. The box score above is the spoiler alert: though today's podcast crew spanned from the east coast to Iowa, included an undergrad and people who've done this work of editing for more than two decades, we were unanimously enamored of all three poems.   Welcome to Episode 11 of PBQ's Slush Pile! In this podcast, we discuss three of Laura McCullough's poems. The box score above is the spoiler alert: though today's podcast crew spanned from the east coast to Iowa, included an undergrad and people who've done this work of editing for more than two decades, we were unanimously enamored of all three poems.   “Leafless” moved us and took us on a journey that also spanned decades. “Reclaimed Wood” told a tale we only want even more of, and “Maggot Therapy” simply left us thunderstruck. Read along and listen in—these poems are even more breathtaking aloud.     She hates the word feminist and she's no stranger to PBQ! Laura McCullough is an award-winning poet with six (!) poetry collections which include her most recent, Jersey Mercy, which narrates the lives of two people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Watch a brief interview after her first book or watch part of a reading from this past spring. Check out more of her work on her website.   The fact that we were going to discuss Laura's work and we've known her for years, spurred us to invite Jennifer L. Knox to join us for this episode, as Jennifer fits a similar profile: she's a poet whose work we admire and the added bonus—we can call her a friend.   We discussed the conundrum many of us find ourselves in—how difficult is it to be a poet who wants to send work to journals she loves and respects, but whose editors she knows well. No one wants to be published out of obligation or to put her friend in an awkward position. The flip side is just as bad: no editor takes pleasure out of rejecting anyone, let alone a friend. Our discussion focused on social ties and aesthetic taste—or, as Jennifer put it, discerning the “heart-to-brains-to-balls ratio” of any given magazine or press in order to find the right home for your work. Listen in as we explore our practices, then chime in on our FB event page and share your own.   Sign for our email list if you're in the area, and even if you're not! Send us a self-addressed stamped envelope, and we'll send you a PBQ Podcast sticker. Follow us on Twitter @PaintedBrideQ and Instagram @paintedbridequarterly.  Don't forget to subscribe and rate us on our iTunes page! Read on!   Present at the Editorial Table: Kathleen Volk Miller Marion Wrenn Jason Schneiderman Alexa Josaphouitch Tim Fitts Jennifer Knox   Production Engineer: Joe Zang   PBQ Box Score: 3:0 ------------------------   Laura McCullough Leafless In the end, my mother's shoulders, barely covered and quivering, were like birds.                         Once, I made a dress   for her, the fabric creamy white, the print a single brown tree spanning the width, with stark branches.   It was 1974.    I was fourteen.                       Each night, I taught myself to sew,                                   feeding the fabric through the foot,                 thinking how surprised she would be.              I remember   seeing her in it, how we'd both loved the gesture, the achievement, and though it fit poorly, the print was enough for us.      She wore it once and never again, let me see her walk out the door in it.             Maybe love's architecture is exposed when we try and fail at what we mean.   Outside the hospital, winter had flayed everything, the trees charcoaled against the sky, their shadows thumb smudges on the institutional snow hid lawn, and inside the air was redolent of shit, flowers, and chlorine.   The first time I changed her clothes, peeling back from her shoulders the blue flecked cotton gown, then sliding a clean pink one up her arms, we held each other in the oily light, spent. Reclaimed Wood I confess now I have begun to henna             my red hair gone dull in parts and penny bright in others.             And I always tried to subdue its wildness. But when the hull of our             marriage busted rock   and began to leak, we both thought             it was a good idea to renovate the kitchen, together, by ourselves.             We closed up the hall to the back rooms to create more             privacy and took down a load-   bearing wall in hoped of opening             the “flow.” My husband looked like Christ hauling the salvaged             timbers from a warehouse deep in the Piney woods one by one             up the front stoop, laying   them in our suburban living room,             posing as a Brooklyn loft. We framed the new wide space:             one as header, two as column braces, then sat on the floor cross-legged             looking at our work in progress,   the way the wood had aged,             the colors and striations, notches and hammered pegs. We felt our             fifties ranch had a new story now, something with weight, and we             held hands a little while before   getting up, heading to the shower,             falling back into our routine.     Maggot Therapy   Near death, sometimes the hands curve             into themselves like claws. I held my mother's open, smoothing             the fingers, trimming the wild nails.   Once, years before, my husband and I awoke             to a fawn caught in the family compost, a hole on its back end festering with worms,             and he pinched each one out   swiping his little finger in the bowl             of the wound, then coating it with antibiotic salve. I loved him,             and how he saved this small thing.   It's a story I have told over and over.              Today though, I'm thinking of the medical uses for maggots: biodebridement and extracorporeal             digestion, their enzymes liquefying   dead tissue in wounds, and wonder,             do I feed off the dead who live inside me? When my mother was dying,             she had a vision of her non-corporeal   father, brothers, sisters. Her last words,             Why have you left me alone? She never opened her eyes again,             her chest a drowning well.   The bodily signs of death:             the skin mottling as blood flow slows; breathing, open mouthed; jaw, unhinged.             I won't recount the signs of a dying marriage,   but he left two days after her funeral. Physically,             he returned but told me he'd fallen in love with someone else,             that his love for me had passed.   Above my mother's body, orange mist             had exhaled and dispersed, a light bulb busted open, its luminescent gas escaping.             The word fluorescent is so similar   to the word florescence, meaning flowering,             and somewhere between these two, there is a splendor I can barely stand.             Inflorescence refers to flowers clustering   on one branch, each a separate floret,             but if they are tightly clustered as in the dandelion seed head, they look incomplete             alone, though the whole is an illusion.   The word for this—pseudanthium—means “false             flower.” Infrutescence, its fruiting stage, gives us grapes, ears of corn, stalks of wheat,             so many of the berries we love.   This morning my hands ache             as though in the night I'd been trying to claw my way out of a hole             I am down in, having lost the body   I came into this world through, and my husband's             as well. It's almost as if my body had come to believe his was a part of its own,             a connection he would have to break or die.   Medical experts say it takes two moltings             for maggots to do the job well, to feed enough to clean a wound. I do not feel             clean at all, though in our shower,   my husband and I still huddle some days,             hunched into the spray. We call it watering.  When we do, we scrub each other, grateful             for the living, dying flesh, but trying to get clean   of each other. That fawn he saved way back             when we were new in love was released into the wild. Surely, it had a scar             identifying it, evidence of what flesh   my husband was willing to enter             in order to keep something alive. Lately, he seems more clear-eyed, and it is as if a cicatrix husk             is cracking. Neither of us know who   will emerge, but he seems luminescent,             a kind of light created by the excitation of the smallest elements, and not giving off warmth,             but a cold glow that at least illuminates.