by Alan Harris
I heard it again
last night
but no one believes me
so I’ve stopped talking about it
I even deny it
when they ask
am I still hearing children at the door
not children
just one voice
young
confident
familiar
whispering
through the keyhole
the same question
night after night
I never offer an answer
I suspect that’s because
I’m afraid
but the child is undeterred
persistent
and quite possibly
rhetorical
asking me once more
…is that all there is?
ALAN HARRIS is a hospice volunteer and graduate student who helps hospice patients write memoirs, letters, and poetry. Harris is the recipient of the 2014 John Clare Poetry Prize as well as the 2015 Tompkins Poetry Award from Wayne State University. Harris is a two-time Pushcart nominee. His work has recently appeared in The Lake, Poetry Breakfast and The Great Lakes Review.
Photo: “10535” by Panegyrics of Granovetter
Psaltery & Lyre 