In the tradition of Melville and Kafka, Stacey Harwood is by day a civil servant. Of "A Valediction" she writes: "I have lately returned to the Metaphysical poets for inspiration. This is my homage to John Donne."

 

 

 

 

 

A Valedictory: Forbidding Mourning
 

From the bottom of my heart
Up yours you
Can
Kiss my ass

You're
Outta here. Out.
Understand?