Jump

she stands
on the thin black line
of the window ledge

and implores that the wind
should blow out her life

death fills her dress
like a christmas bell

her hands clutch the sky
but she does not fall

- don’t jump
look how we all
it’s never as bad as -

below on the street
the crowd weave a pole
from the wood of their words

pin back the girl
like a moth to the wall

now she stands on the ledge
unable to move

trembling with life
suspended in space

continued

THE GUILTY BYSTANDER

This collection of modern poetry is thought to be Gibson’s first published work. They are original, striking and often playful but already hint of darker European influences. Among his favourite writers of the time were Jacques Prevert and Miroslav Holub.