C. D. Wright (1949–2016) published numerous poetry collections, including Rising, Falling, Hovering, which won the 2009 Griffin Poetry Prize; One with Others, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry; and ShallCross (Copper Canyon Press, 2016). Her collaboration with photographer Deborah Luster led to One Big Self: An Investigation, an intimate account of Louisiana inmates. Wright taught English at Brown University.

Photograph credit: John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Girl Friend

by C. D. Wright

When I first saw her a few summers ago I felt.
                                      Her photogenic spit.
I was climbing a coruscating staircase.
In my flammable skin. To be so full of.
Everything. At her age. It is very difficult.
A singer manqué. Among a small host of poets.
                                      Noisier
than the men. Quaffing schnapps. No lens
could describe her.

People on couch
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