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the women turn pages slowly, so slowly
unsure if that is the vest Katya knitted for uncle
before he went for milk, never came back

each numbered photograph a too-bright gasp of light
the book, a first step with each mass grave
do you recognize this apron? this belt? these boots?”

Enjoy this audio recording of “What They Wore” by Shutta Crum from Vol. 33:2 of CALYX Journal! 

Shutta Crum is the author of two chapbooks: When You Get Here, which won a gold Royal Palm Literary Award, and most recently, The Way to the River. In addition, she has sixteen books for young readers, including Thunder-Boomer!, a Smithsonian Magazine and an ALA “notable book.” She lives in St. Augustine, FL. Info: www.shutta.com.