Leslie McGrath

Hearing

There is the sound and there is
perception of the sound.
What matters more--
that which happens
or that which hardens
into memory? Consider
how the crush of a train
is louder in fog,
how a song becomes
the place and time
in which it’s heard, how the cries
of babies are unbearable.
Consider how the beloved’s
breathing is distinguishable
from all others, but
how his footstep’s approach
may as well be
his footstep’s receding.

Leslie McGrath

Poem, copyright © Leslie McGrath, 2005
Appearing on the Fishouse with permission
Audio file, copyright © 2005, From the Fishouse

Posted on November 24, 2005 7:38 AM