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Last Glimpse Before The Light

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Creature of lost endurance, lying

on the floor, lying

with back facing the

ceiling, swelling with anger

& stubborn fear.

 

Man of long sorrow,

conqueror of thresholds.

Man of melancholy that

pours like visions

from his eyes.

 

Highways, mad people

& polluted air –

enough to ignite

his wanderlust, his cramp

of isolation.

 

Creature with arms spread, head hidden

in the carpet

like a phoenix bird

after the fall. Man motionless, crazed,

incapacitated

 

knows the world is only shell,

knows it is heavy like habit,

an unspeakable burden

that grips & sometimes

devours.

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Copyright © 1995 by Allison Grayhurst

amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst

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First published in “Sepia 55”, 1997

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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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