Allison Grayhurst’s poems span over 25 years. Her unique, impressionistic language moves with urgency towards a deeper spiritual understanding, often arriving at potent revelations. Many of the poems confront the duality of life, opening up to infinity while trying to find the signature of infinity in the most rudimentary aspects of existence. There is a rich sexuality in many of them, with a thread of longing flowing through complex imagery. These poems are layered, evoking a deep sense of inner struggle while connecting with a universal rhythm, demanding to be read and re-read.

Recently Allison was approached by Folk Singer Diane Barbarash, who felt some of her poems from her recent publication Trial and Witness – selected poems would make great lyrics. The two artists have agreed to collaborate with one another, and we are pleased to share with you the first song of seven that the pair of artists are working on.

Animal Sanctuary (Poem)

He turns his hawk head

to view the shells of turtles streaking

the still-shroud of water in tanks

as blue as sky.

He lifts a leg and talons tensed,

pivots to defend against an enclosing shadow.

With whitish eyes and an impossible urge

to fly, he hops along his man-made perch toward

the cages where squirrels leap

from metal to wood, scattering like leaves

in unpredictable flurry.

He listens to the ducks’ lipless sounds.

Spring, he will never experience again, nor know

the scent of a pent-up life released like

sunflowers blooming, or the feel of the moon,

colder but more comforting than being touched.

He is without time or tribe,

and like fire, he haunts

by just being.

© Allison Grayhurst

Click link below to listen to Music, vocals and arrangement by Diane Barbarash, lyrics from the poem “Animal Sanctuary” by Allison Grayhurst.

https://soundcloud.com/diane-barbarash/animal-sanctuary

“Grayhurst’s poetry is a translucent, ethereal dream in which words push through the fog, always searching, struggling, and reaching for the powerful soul at its heart. Her work is vibrant and shockingly original,” – Beach Holme Publishers.

“Grayhurst is a great Canadian poet. All of Allison Grayhurst’s poetry is original, sometimes startling, and more often than not, powerful. Anyone who loves modern poetry that does not follow the common path will find Grayhurst complex, insightful, and as good a poet as anyone writing in the world today. Grayhurst’s poetry volumes are highly, highly recommended,” – Tom Davis, poet, novelist and educator.

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