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Vault
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Do not ask
how the wind gathered
my name in this
region of shell & flesh.
Do not wonder at my
sad hands drenched
in the weight of so much held,
so much
released.
If it were possible I would kiss the
pine needle, be stung forever
by nature’s flood. I would tear
my heart from this depth & growth,
become seed or shadow or someone
as strong as the iron-core moon.
My legs and knees are trembling.
Dawn is guiding me into dangerous wake.
And all lights everywhere
watch, as though
my darkness is
sealed.
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Copyright © 1995 by Allison Grayhurst
amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst
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First published in “First Offense” 1996
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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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