Commended: Grace Bowen, The Problem of the Body

Grace Bowen

Commended, 2026 Tower Poetry Competition, 'A Riddle'

The Problem of the Body

Not more than a deluge of
divinity and water,

Meaning: my whole life
This shape has been glowing blue.

Upon learning of the execution
of Emperor Maxmilian of Mexico —

Fresco of his exploded form
like smashed lobsters

Subsumed into the bright snow:
the belief that surely the body is

Not all there is, what
can be penetrated so easily

By bullets or tinges of light.

I forgive everyone, and
I ask everyone to forgive me.

Each member of the firing squad was
Furnished with one gold coin,

Hands cupped. Take this.
The shape assumed in prayer,

Clasped hands, meaning:
The strange flesh must point at something else.