1989 – 2016
that close. edge of
almost. fled. looked
dead. was. tried. kept
it up. kept my
mouth so close. pills
nearer. seer
said. dust dust. was.
then wasn’t. missed.
hole in a night.
that was my face.
almost followed.
river’s no. won’t
mirror. it was
summer. November
so quick. i rocked
all gray. nickel
& sky. i was
so close. to my
last winter. just
past my touch. axed
my arms. i wrote
with aim. the year came.
***
Photograph of Danez Smith © David Hong.
Input your search keywords and press Enter.
The Rumpus needs your help. We need to raise $25,000 $3,100 to fill our funding gap for 2024.
Our home base is Asheville, NC and Hurricane Helene severely impacted our ability to host events, launch new initiatives, and caused other significant financial setbacks this fall.
Can you support us at any level by Dec. 31? Every dollar counts and is a sign that our readers collectively value creative labor and independent publishing.
Once a week, we'll send you a roundup of what's new on the magazine, invites to upcoming events, open calls for submissions, and more!
