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.
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