Reviewing politics
and culture since 1913

  1. Culture
  2. Poetry
16 September 2020

Omen

A new poem by Will Eaves

By Will Eaves

After the wind stops, 
    we are sloshed
to and fro in the silence 
    like drowned ducklings 

or a photograph developing
    in its tray.
Harder and harder to avoid,
    these images of aftermath 

and no reply:
    a still garden 
where the blossom 
    neither fails nor fruits,

the seedlings never push up
    from the root,
the bee never docks
    in the colour-blind flower.

Will Eaves is a novelist and a poet. His latest book, Broken Consort: Essays, reviews, and other writings, is published by CB Editions.

Content from our partners
The Hidden Cost of Poor Lung Health
Labour's historic opportunity
Those in power need to listen to children and young people. We’re the key to their future

Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month