“Dawn” by Jennifer Griffin

Editors note: The following is a contrapuntal poem, which can be read in multiple ways. The piece forms two unique poems when read independently and a third when the corresponding lines of each are read together. In the interest of mobile readers, the lines of each column have been numbered. Numbers do not appear in the original piece. —20B

1. Dawn speaks, she whispers

2. The ghost in the hall

3. She carries it with her

4. She doesn’t recall

5. Bring in the cold, dear

6. Take it wherever you go

7. A sink full of dishes

8. A break in the dawn

9. Who’s going to miss you 

10. Enough when you’re gone

11. Notice the time clock

12. It ticks and it washes away

13. She’s done it before and she swears she won’t do it again

14. Over and over beginnings will come to an end
    

1. What if she’s younger?

2. A lifetime ago

3. The cameras they shutter

4. But they never show

5. A woman’s abandon.

6. Forego the niceties of man!

7. Another year over 

8. The feelings they burn

9. Holes in her sweater

10. Maybe she’s learned

11. The pictures of yesterday

12. They can never remain

13. She’s done it before and she swears she won’t do it again

14. Over and over beginnings will come to an end

15. Forget these lessons,

16. The pretense they bring.

17. A priceless possession-

18. Meaningful things.

19. Nothing is sacred.

20. Forgive the faithful, Amen.

About Jennifer Griffin
She/Her/Hers

Jennifer Griffin is a creative in a corporate world. Working as a Customer Success Manager for a pharmacy automation company, her escape is her writing, music, traveling, and being outside. She's a dog person, a cat person, and an all-around lover of creatures, human and otherwise. She also hates writing about herself, so please enjoy her little poems.