The truth of where I am now is an axe in ice. Bach in the dark of migraine mountain. The
truth of where I am now is known backyard freshly mown lasting sun. Sharp scent. The truth
of where I am now is projecting onto the screaming glass of a future I can see a landscape
through, rolling out hills, shoulder blades and eagle spread. The truth of where I am now is
ripping ringing in my ears. Sound of bubbling lavender water. The truth of where I am now is
held breath and poised to jump. Cliff edge toes and tongue. Close to the microphone on a
stage. A microwave. The ideas popping corn of page turning presence open doorways to dark
cinemas. Deep breath views over the life ahead. Standing on a precipice. Previous. The truth
of where I am now is breathing under water. The truth of where I am now is conviction. The
truth of where I am now is melting constriction in real rest. The truth of where I am now is
feather light honey eater stance.
Claire Gaskin’s A bud was released by John Leonard Press in 2006, and was shortlisted in the John Bray SA Festival Awards for Literature. Paperweight, was published in 2013 by Hunter Publishers. Her collection Eurydice Speaks is forthcoming with Hunter Publishers in 2020. She is currently working on her next collection, Ismene’s Survivable Resistance.