Gilbert, Grace

English

SUNY Geneseo KnightScholar (State University of New York)

Gandy Dancer ArchivesVolume 7 | Issue 1 Article 912-1-2018on waking at 3 a.m. // First visit, during the countyfairGrace GilbertSUNY GeneseoFollow this and additional works at: https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/gandy-dancerPart of the Poetry CommonsThis Poetry is brought to you for free and open access by KnightScholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Gandy Dancer Archives by an authorizededitor of KnightScholar. For more information, please contact KnightScholar@geneseo.edu.Recommended CitationGilbert, Grace (2018) "on waking at 3 a.m. // First visit, during the county fair," Gandy Dancer Archives: Vol. 7 : Iss. 1 , Article 9.Available at: https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/gandy-dancer/vol7/iss1/918  GRACE GilbERtGRACE GILBERTon waking at 3 a.m.in this dreadful pattern of insomnia & wondering if i could love you,each unflinching minute hums thick like a pulse—a torrent of frantic wings beating against the soundless expanse of an unremarkable bedroom; somewhere, where my mind houses our sleeping bodiesand little else. i envision our love as that small breath i always draw at the start of a dream, sharp and secretive, a tiresomely private mentionof a world you’ll never visit. there is a cruel diligenceto keeping you here,listless and expectant, when my love has eroded to nothingbut some unearthed relic of need.GANDY DANCER  19GRACE GILBERTFirst visit, during the county fairafter Anne Sextonit is June.i am tiredof being strong.i place wet wild daisieson stone, a weary offering.some petals obstruct your name.of all the sad new facts here,i would much rather admitthe daisies.it is beginning to rain,a slow one, tapping on the canopy abovebefore it begins to dimplethis bleak neighborhood,& i lie in the dirt next to you one last time,allowing it.i know the injuryof acknowledging deathin back of every i love you—accepting what falls before it does,but goodbyeis always hovering like this,a red balloon tied to a wrist.

on waking at 3 a.m. // First visit, during the county fair

https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1237&context=gandy-dancer

on waking at 3 a.m. // First visit, during the county fair

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