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The Groundhog's Shadow, a poem by Anna Grignon

The Groundhog’s Shadow
by Anna Grignon

Your absence will foretell a brisk return 
from wintertime, its freshly sheeted bed, 
your presence product of the warmth you spurn.

Your witnesses display their hats like urns,
 
as long and black as what we see ahead;
your absence will foretell a brisk return.

We fear our final hour will adjourn 
forecasts a web of stars forever threads, 
your presence product of the warmth you spurn.

Eternal is the burrow we discern, 
truncated is our time if you have fled. 
Your absence will foretell a brisk return.

An audience of flowers waits its turn 
to welcome us upon immortal treads, 
your presence product of the warmth you spurn.

In endless cold, hell’s fires brightly burn, 
the future disappears to where you sped. 
Your absence will foretell a brisk return, 
your presence product of the warmth you spurn.


Bio: Anna Grignon is a recent newcomer to Indianapolis, having previously lived in Washington, D.C., and Omaha, Nebraska. She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has extensive experience as a nonprofit writer. She is looking forward to publishing her freelance work.