Joseph Murphy

Joseph Murphy has been published in a wide range of journals. His first poetry collection, Crafting Wings, was published by Scars Publications, 2017. A second collection, Having Lived, is forthcoming from Kelsay Books (2018). He is also senior poetry editor for a literary publication, Halfway Down the Stairs, established 2006.

Morning

Joseph Murphy

When morning’s prow rose toward me,

the tainted waters receded

and I began to lift

the heaviest of dreams.

Untouched by age or sadness,

I grasp hopes I’d only imagined,

startled by the strength of my hands.

Morning’s scent illuminated the breeze. Nothing

seemed improbable.

Shutters began to sing; clocks

burst open; wonder

eclipsed loneliness.