MEL MITCHELL
There’s a northern boy
standing beneath an open sky,
just west of the Minnesota River
looking for a place to dream tonight
as he lights his last cigarette
against another headstrong wind.
And balances,
one foot in front of the other
on frozen tracks
where a train hasn’t run since ‘75.
Knowing if only
he could follow them long enough,
if only
he could walk for an eternity,
he’d find himself
in a city out west
with palm trees and hazy skies,
with warm breezes
that carry the scent
of sunbaked pavement and seaweed
as they speak dreams into being,
filling them with breath and light.
But as for now,
he’ll keep his dreams a secret
and bury them
in the ditch
among the frozen weeds.
Tonight, he’ll go to bed hungry,
then wake up ravenous,
to all his dreams
escaping in the early morning light.
Mel Mitchell is an artist, writer, and educator whose work draws from her experiences growing up and living in the Midwest, exploring themes of memory, belonging, otherness, and the landscapes that have shaped her understanding of home. She is also exploring the intersection of spoken word and music through an ongoing collaboration with composer Chris Gibbons, with whom she has co-written lyrics for numerous songs, including “Grey River” and “Lightning Road.” Their work is available on Spotify and Bandcamp.
Author Index: Mel Mitchell
Twisted River Review ~ Issue 1: Winter 26/27