Still Poem by Joe JG Hall

After the storm we walked down the hill
and crossed the field asleep with poppies
you pressed their heads against your cheek
and said you were enchanted in the moon’s silver fire
beside the river we caught stars in our hands
and tossed each one with a wish
into the current and the glow lingered
for a moment flickering among the pebbles you said
stay you said your secrets belonged to me
and alone beneath the starless night
I believed every word.



joe hall
18 October 1998