The snickering blade draws a fine, sharp smile
across the wrinkled surface of my thumb,
and the bread I pursued with all my guile
turns real, running flesh and blood. Numb
with pain, I watch and wait as dark wells in
and out. The gash is deeper than I thought,
and in its lawless, honest shadow thin,
I almost see my life (soaking in) brought
out in stark relief—but how fearfully
with pain I watch and wait between the beats!
Not much can dull that dear old shame I see
in broken bread and bleeding thumb, yet meets
me in a moment of laughter later on
to match the smile my knife had deftly drawn.
Dwelling deep in the forests of New England, Graham spends most of his time reading, taking walks with his dog, and learning new and interesting things (and reveling in cooler, more temperate climates). Born and raised in the Boston area, Graham was homeschooled from an early age. After high school, he proceeded to get a bachelor’s in Literature from Patrick Henry College in Northern Virginia. He currently resides in the Boston area while pursuing a master’s in Education at Gordon College, steeping in the rich history of his home turf and a continued exploration of literature from across the world. He says you should read Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country and Chaim Potok’s The Chosen, because they are incredible novels. Also, read Robert Frost.
This is… so good. I’m in awe of your word choice and the depth of your message.