Continue
Stay in the room a little longer.
Nearby poems
Reading notes
A way further in
Not the final meaning. Just a closer read, a better question, and a few nearby poems worth opening next.
Listen for what the poem handles gently. That is usually where its real weight is.
Opening line
Where the door opens.
Treasure the time you have on stage,
Center line
Where the temperature changes.
Watch the pieces on the chessboard move,
Leaving line
The line to carry out with you.
That will bring all your past selves to their feet.
If you came here carrying something
If you need something soft without it being weak, this is the shelf to open first.
Themes in this poem
A good place to begin when you want language that can soothe without lying.
After you read
Stay in the archive a little longer.
If this one stayed with you, keep it. Then either leave a note, keep moving through the archive, or open a random poem.
Checking holds...
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Keep this one close.
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Share this poem
Send the line onward, save the story image, or pass the poem to someone who needs it.
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This poem started on Instagram, and the next one will too.
Listening room
Hear the poem in one breath.
A studio reading for the archive, voiced with care and restraint.