​Before London There Were Landscapes
by Sophia Argyris

​Shake off the days like water
catch the light against their corners

so long hidden in the dark.

Still, we say we’re fine
shine our fine smiles
at brightened screens.

We were not made for this
I’ve seen you smile for real

down by the river

where we watched the fish
dip lifting fins into the air.

Here buildings claw at clouds
breach the ground

like grinding teeth

walled in

in crowds.

And all the wars of every country
gather in my throat

like ululation waiting.

I still remember
half-hidden paths
between fir trees

past the gorse and to
the sea.

There were hay bales
then

in fields, wide
landscapes

stretching out the sky
tight as a drum.

We need more space to breathe.