James Merrill (March 3, 1926 – February 6, 1995)


  • James Merrill, Stonington, Connecticut, June 1973; photograph by Jill Krementz
    (photo via)

    James Merrill (March 3, 1926 – February 6, 1995)

    Log

    “[…] Now and then
    “It is given to see clearly. There
    “Is what remains of you, a body
    “Unshaven, flung on the sofa. Stains of egg
    “Harden about the mouth, smoke still
    “Rises between fingers or from nostrils.
    “The eyes deflect the stars through years of vacancy.
    “Your agitation at such moments
    “Is all too human. You and the stars
    “Seem both endangered, each
    “At the other’s mercy. Yet the gem
    “Revolves in space, the vision shuttles off.
    “A toneless waltz glints through the pea-sized funhouse.
    “The day is breaking someone else’s heart”

    ~ birthday celebrant James Merrill.

    Thanks to Chris Schneider for the poem above.

  • Poetry Foundation