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Ben Purkert is a poet with degrees from Harvard and New York University, where he served as a New York Times Fellow. Born in New Jersey, he lives in New York City.

QUICK TAGS
Justice &
Equality

Nature
Heartache &
Loss

FOLLOW US:

The Past Is the Present
Only Colder

by Ben Purkert
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At night, everything feels. Even a river
feels its way through the woods, mumbling.

Slight edge in its voice. Enough to pry
a door open a crack. Then light through


the haze. The earth covers its face
with brush. Flagstones elbow each other
People on couch
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Reader Comments

  • I think it is an interesting way of classifying the types...
  • Love this poem. It is, of course, meaningful and inspiring on...
  • This is terrific! I'll be re-reading often. Thanks, Ben!...
  • Ben, this poem is brilliant. I love how it begins, and...
  • Ben, your poem swept me into it with the river's flow...

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