Up the Staircase: James H. Duncan

Runaround Sue

I thought I missed you
until I saw the spot on the carpet
where my grandmother died
and I realized that I would die someday
too, on the floor, maybe nobody
around to see it, maybe in front
of all sorts of strangers
and in that final moment
I don’t want a single lingering
doubt in my heart
that having you walk
out of my life was the single
greatest thing that ever happened to me
and now, staring down at that carpet
in my grandmother’s empty home
I already know: there will be
no doubt

© James H. Duncan

James H Duncan is a New York native, a part-time Taoist, and the editor of Hobo Camp Review. Although a graduate of Southern Vermont College, he considers himself a lifelong student of the road, picking up non-credit courses in local dive bars, all-night cafes, and used book stores.

Plainsongs, Red Fez, Reed Magazine, and The Battered Suitcase, among others, have welcomed his poetry. His fourth collection "Maybe a Bird Will Sing" (Bird War Press) is due in 2009. (We have reviewed this collection, please click here!

This is James's 2nd appearance in Up the Staircase.