Open
Soak the born
in their own initial conception
to remember the pure-memory-pockets,
the truth of miracles.
Underline everything that matters
and read it again until no small word
is skimmed over or taken for granted.
Open the shelter doors and let all animals
in, wild ones, broken ones, aggressive and tame.
Free with a blessing
every dream that isn’t false,
and follow your deepest duty –
both desirous and undesirous divine commands.
Under the blanket, conspiracies are made.
They grow limbs that look like light but exclude
humility and the thumb-print of surrender.
The atmosphere is big,
the button-hole is small.
I am small when I toss
my self-determination out as wisdom
and fail at every turn.
Mercy comes with obedience,
obedience comes with trust, and then finally
freedom.
The dying are trapped in their wounds.
The living, in their success at survival,
but the gift is always
open for everyone, and changing
even without core movement.
I have a boat and that is all I own.
I see flowers on the shore, rooted in the sand.
I see yellow and sometimes, I see gold.
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Copyright © by Allison Grayhurst 2025

amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst
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First published in “Setu” January 2026 (December issue – Author of the Month)






https://www.setumag.com/2025/12/Lit-Art-Culture-Journal.html
https://www.setumag.com/2025/12/poetry-allison-grayhurst.html

