Based on a photograph by Diane Arbus
American, 1923–1971
“Nancy Bellamy’s Bedroom, New York”, 1961
I walk from one fearless room to the next
opening my eyes I am lost in love
as I watch you step from the window ledge
slipping a rotting note into your mouth
now at peace and faraway from my thoughts
I jump from this life rising to the next
the morning comes with such dark shadows here
like a breath hovering over the bed
but this is not here this place of falling
yes l am the same floating thing as you
set to rest on an army of Sundays
a piece of darkness playing a scherzo
and what of you your handprint on the wall
your white salt wings are restless bones no more
– Daniel Haskin
December 8, 2023