Connor and Jack had so much to say about Toni Morrison's "Someone Leans Near" that it didn't all fit in one show! In this week's extra episode, they discuss the ending of the poem in depth as well as the idea of endings, especially those that subvert expectations. They also contemplate Morrison's incalculable contribution to literary life and her vibrant legacy. Check out Episode #075 for a full conversation about the poem: https://soundcloud.com/close-talking/episode-075-someone-leans-near-toni-morrison Read all five of Morrison's poems, here: believermag.com/five-poems-by-ton…lIoj0k6YSSYmj378Y Find us on Facebook at: facebook.com/closetalking  Find us on Twitter at: twitter.com/closetalking  Find us on Instagram: @closetalkingpoetry You can always send us an e-mail with thoughts on this or any of our previous podcasts, as well as suggestions for future shows, at [email protected]. Someone Leans Near By: Toni Morrison Someone leans near And sees the salt your eyes have shed. You wait, longing to hear Words of reason, love or play To lash or lull you toward the hollow day. Silence kneads your fear Of crumbled star-ash sifting down Clouding the rooms here, here. You shore up your heart to run. To stay. But no sign or design marks the narrow way. Then on your skin a breath caresses The salt your eyes have shed. And you remember a call clear, so clear “You will never die again.” Once more you know You will never die again.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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