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The Flower’s Womb

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Surviving still

one afternoon on a clear road,

unfolding like footsteps

on graveyard ground.

My limits touch me, echo

in my high nights

of summer power

and cherished inadequacies.

I think I will perish,

praise this invisible end.

I cling to the bird creature.

Porcelain eyes.

Cups of juice.

Resting bewildered in the womb.

It is open

the bridge, the leap,

devotion to its full extent.

My essence blossoms.

The red early morning

holds my hand.

Make no mistake

I am going, receding

from the devil’s dewed territory,

going with you, past myself

terrified, continuing.

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Copyright © 1991 by Allison Grayhurst

amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst

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First published in “JVC Poetry Newsletter Volume 1, Number 6” March 1990

Published under the pseudonym “Jocelyn Kain” aka Allison Grayhurst

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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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