Smoking, driving, musing and being around rivers are some of Leslie Walls’ favorite things, and she’s packed them into a new poem from her forthcoming book, 33 summers.
“I am being kind to myself, almost positive. I am happy when I find that I've tapped into ‘up’ emotions instead of sadness or loss (emotions that drive much of the tone of my work),” Walls wrote in a message to CL. She typically pursues whimsy as a way of cutting through all of that, but “No. 30” feels like a hug, or a different way to navigate those emotions.
On June 20, she’s releasing the book at a place where ideas are born. Downtown Tampa dive The Hub plays host and will be filled with an installation that collects drafts, journals and scraps of the creative process that led to 33 summers.
Walls’ friends will read selections from the book, and two typewriter booths will be on hand for attendees to type up anonymous notes. Pre-order one of 100 copies of the book via leswalls.com and read “No. 30” below. Get more information on the book launch here.
“No. 30”
That old hand—
I haven’t noticed it in a long time.
It’s still smoking
from an open window
in a moving car—
No, I don’t think my hand looks any older.
No, I am not worried for when it does.
The less I notice my age in the mirror
the more freedom I have enjoyed.
I want to be old and strong and free—
like a river—
the kind that is always moving—
the kind from which you can drink deeply.
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