“Dressing Stand With Oval Mirror in Bedroom” (1934) by Walker Evans.
4:00 AM, and I notice shrapnel on my eyelash.
It is the size of a half-amoeba. An evolutionary secret.
There are tools behind the mirror, made from precision and steel.
But I am slow on delivery, and eyes were made to blink.
4:00 AM. I have already forgotten how to breathe and
think I am ready to make bullets.
If anyone has a time machine, please contact me yesterday.
Keep breathing: that’s the most important part!
I agree.
i like this and but still contemplating exactly why. i’m not a fan of bullets but they work so well in poetry, especially here.
I was thinking of ‘breath’ and ‘bullet’, and somehow they became this. Thanks for dropping by.
i like how it is open to interpretation, very fresh. take care.
Not only are you an interesting writer to read, you also have good taste in photographers.
Thank you, James. Happy you like them.
Hi Millie,
I like this poem. The line, “But I am slow on delivery, and eyes were made to blink,” seemed to speak to me. In my day job I have to deal with impatient people. It seems that if I finnish my work more slowly than a blink, someone is displeased. Probably not what you had in mind, but that’s what it said to me.
I see lots of droopy eyes on the subway–I’m guessing you don’t work there. Time is of the essence, but people aren’t machines. Your interpretation makes me think.
that’s a long, painful, wonderous 4am minute,
not because its 4 am,
but because so much can happen between 4am and 4am.
24 hours worth of possibilities!
love it
Thanks!
Some great imagery.
And being up at 4.00 am is a weird feeling. What real and what’s dream world become awfully blurred.
The days and nights bleed into each other. I forget if I’m supposed to say ‘good night’ or ‘good morning’ (and neither feels natural).
i like your writing style — economical and precise choice of words.
cheers!
neil
Exactly what I was aiming for–thanks for the comment, Neil.
Delicious.
There is something hiding in the mirror. I am absolutely sure. I have seen it!
It’s your creativity, Anna. It’s lighting up the room.
I find you strange and utterly fascinating.
Thank you.
Awesome!
Made me think of this.