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Germination

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        If only your shoulders

would spread like petals

I would dive into your flesh,

crawl the branch of your spine

to the tip of your heart.

        No mad hills to survey, no

beasts to flee

or tame. Only

ourselves entwined

and our toes curled

in bliss and heat.

        If only the dull wind

outside

would not rock you

away and the long rib

of clouds would not seize me

into its bed of rain,

        then maybe

my hands would be

your spoke and

stronghold and

your affection, my constant

bloom.

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Copyright © 1995 by Allison Grayhurst

amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst

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First published in “The Peregrine Muse” July 2017

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You can listen to the poem by clicking below:

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“Somewhere Falling has a richness of imagery and an intensity of emotion rare in contemporary poetry. Drawn in sharp outlines of light and darkness, and rich shades of colour, with a deep sense of loss and longing and the possibility of salvation, this is an unusual book by a gifted young poet. Grayhurst’s voice is one to which we should continue to pay attention.” — Maggie Helwig, author of Apocalypse Jazz and Eating Glass.

“Responsibility and passion don’t often go together, especially in the work of a young poet. Allison Grayhurst combines them in audacious ways. Somewhere Falling is a grave, yet sensuous book.” – Mark Abley, author of Glasburyon and Blue Sand, Blue Moon.

“Biting into the clouds and bones of desire and devotion, love and grief, Allison Grayhurst basks the reader, with breathtaking eloquence, in an elixir of words. Like lace, the elegance is revealed by what isn’t said. This is stunning poetry.” – Angela Hryniuk, author of no visual scars.

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