Two Poems

I WANTED THE WOODS

and now mute      as trees
we head back to the garden

they’ll 
rebuild the city
but foundations won’t take

        only roots
moss and ivy 
to brush ourselves out 

living through            
not over it 

even in the midst 
of this

there is a taste 
of 
LIBERATION
HOT on the tongue

ORPHEUS

To see is a bore. Who wants vision? 
There are so many songs to sing
and hands, rough, subway-soiled, 
wine-bottle-opening hands to hold

and be held by. You taste the salty tang
of cigarettes, only partially sober, 
and everyone who sees you turns back.  

Claire Sosienski Smith was born by the sea, read English Literature at Selwyn College, Cambridge, and is currently based in London. They spend a lot of time thinking about poetry and prison abolition.

Follow them on Twitter: @CLAIRESOS

Artwork: Larah Kabbara

Larah Kabbara is a Lebanese artist who creates artwork with graphite. Her work is heavily influenced by mythology and mythical creatures. She uses symbolism and hybridism, combining traditional techniques unorthodoxly. She graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and has been drawing for over 15 years. 

Follow Larah on Instagram: @fleurdemiell