Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Still Suspended

PHOTOGRAPH FROM SEPTEMBER 11 by Wislawa Szymborska  

They jumped from the burning floors —  
one, two, a few more,  
higher, lower.  

The photograph halted them in life,  
and now keeps them  
above the earth toward the earth.  

Each is still complete,  
with a particular face  
and blood well hidden.  

There’s enough time  
for hair to come loose,  
for keys and coins  
to fall from pockets.  

They’re still within the air’s reach,  
within the compass of places  
that have just now opened.  

I can do only two things for them —  
describe this flight  
and not add a last line.  

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