the acrobat
by Michael Spring
after the show she enters
the walk-in closet in her bedroom
turns the lights off and shuts the door
no iron rings or blades to juggle
no ropes to balance upon, no bears
to dance with, no zebras to mount
no dazzling lights and faces, no human eyes
upon her as if she were a sandwich
for all that hunger
in this room there’s nothing
to jump though, fly from or into
there’s only
Michael Spring is the author of four poetry books and one children’s book. He’s won numerous awards and distinctions for poetry, including the Turtle Island Poetry Award, an Honorable Mention for the Eric Hoffer Book Award, and a Luso-American Fellowship from DISQUIET International. Michael Spring is a poetry editor for the Pedestal Magazine, and founding editor of Flowstone Press. His chapbook “Drift Line” was published by Foothills Publishing, 2020.
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What surprising, fascinating stuff can you tell us about the origin, drafting, and/or final version of “the acrobat”? “the acrobat” was inspired by a Cirque du Soleil performance. I had the chance to attend (about 20 years ago) During this performance I watched an acrobat/ contortionist perform. My seat allowed me to see the exit tunnel. I watched her smiling for all of our applause (and hunger), then she practically floated off the stage and disappeared into the darkness. This memory, along with a writing prompt for the words “acrobat” and “closet” got me to write this poem.
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Matter Press recently released titles from Meg Boscov, Abby Frucht, Robert McBrearty, Tori Bond, Kathy Fish, and Christopher Allen. Click here.
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Submissions
Poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction/prose poetry submissions are now closed. The reading period for standard submissions opens again September 15, 2025. Submit here.
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