John Stadnicki’s last photographs (1-24 August 2022). Black and white film.
The Aftercrying
Dreamed I found a child sleeping
on the steps of my house; perhaps lost
back from night shifts at a nearby foundry.
His fists, the size of fruits, face up
shinning below street lamps. Everything
grey as expected in night terrors.
Blackbirds call his name, flutter
in circle. Above city parks, a time-grenade
hissing before its safety pin snaps.
Lights off. …………………………………….
I reach up holding a door key.
Open a final version of myself.
25th August 2022, Maria Stadnicka