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The one good thing

to make good all things

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            More than these –

the hand of the hunter and the

kneeling of the prey

lie naked in rooms

too familiar with sadness.

 

            The hourglass

and church and all that makes

ancient waters sink into sands,

fill faces with blooming light.

 

            On the bed where lovers’ spirits

weave together to bless both hurt

and insecurities, there, no hope rests

unharvested, each day alone is soothed

with a warm and subtle joy.

            There, voices speak drunk with truth,

kissing the depths with insatiable addiction.

            There, praise and love are one,

and every other prayer unanswered is accepted

and finally, forgiven.

 

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Copyright © 1991 by Allison Grayhurst

amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst

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First published in “Poetry and Audience”  1994/1995

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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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