Jane Kenyon, "The Needle"

Grandmother, you are as pale
as Christ's hands on the wall above you.
When you close your eyes you are all
white - hair, skin, gown. I blink
to find you again in the bed.

I remember once you told me
you weighed a hundred and twenty-three,
the day you married Grandfather.
You had handsome legs. He watched you
working at the sink.

The soft ring is loose on your hand.
I hated coming here.
I know you can't understand me.
I'll try again,
like the young nurse with the needle.

10 for 4/9

Playlist : Now

1. The White Tie Affair - Take It Home
2. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
3. K'naan - T.I.A.
4. Guns 'n' Roses - Since I Don't Have You
5. Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds
6. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
7. Tiger Army - Rose of the Devil's Garden
8. Thursday - Telegraph Avenue Kiss
9. Johnny Cash ft. Joe Strummer - Redemption Song
10. The Eli Young Band - Always the Love Songs

Portraits of Vladimir Nabokov