Samekh

by David Harrity

Every time I draw this character
I know that you’re turning
my eyes to look toward you, toward the sky
where three blackbirds are
spiraling into the searing
eye of the sun,
their wings soaking with light
until they are gone.
I am left trying to remember
the shapes and motions,
their weightless bodies and wings
being swallowed into a flash so alive
with light that I must turn my eyes
quick to the ground. I’ve found you
in the flight. I am hiding
it all away to remember:
your love so bright and permanent
it will burn me into looking away.

(this poem was originally printed here in Ruminate Magazine. Used with the author's permission)