Been There

"Old Mask II," 2006, by John Stezaker

Been There

I have circled water walking
with no intent to swim

and when I stopped moving to stare
out at the lines the water made while it
left again and again

what I felt was the self running out of me
following only the unsolid surfaces

and wanting to be rid of the barbs
I possess that have hurt you

Have you been there

Please tell me you’ve been there

[Image above by John Stezaker]