One Lonely Thing By Tim Donahue

This is why they die in their cradle

deep roots dug in

to the bed they have made Tied, Tied in with the thread

sheets of soil, tilled twenty years.

This is why they tell you to go

on and justify

the nails they dig-drawing blood Up from your arm

the arm of the leaver gone unbeautiful

in the eyes of the city that told them to go

the arm of the leaver yanked back

Homeward.

There will be a river

they’ll toast you in town

there will be that picture-esque day

and there will be a woman

waving, not walking your way.

BEHIND THE POEM:

This is a poem about leaving home. It’s about transitions and the forces that always somehow feel like they’re trying to pull you back into your status quo. This is a very personal poem to me, as it aligns really poignantly with the major changes that are going on in my own life. I’m moving from the Pacific Northwest, the place I have always called my home, in the pursuit of higher education in Boston. I’ve seen first hand that there is a groundswell of support, and I’ve seen too that that support is exactly what makes it such a challenge to leave. There is always a woman, always a loved one, somebody who loves you and wants exactly what is best for you; and it’s always them that clings hardest while they tell you to go.

ABOUT:

Born in Kenmore, Washington in 2001, Tim Donahue began his writing career at Western Washington University in 2023 when he released his debut novel, The James Gang with Central Park South Publishing on June 2nd of that year. He enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, and repairing used books in his free time. Currently, he’s working towards his MFA in Fiction Writing at Emerson College. Donahue’s works have been published in 45th Parallel Literary Magazine, Gekker Publishing, Wingless Dreamer Literary Magazine, Wavelength, Jeopardy Magazine, and many more. He is also a recipient of the Emerson Community Writing Scholarship.

EDITOR'S SONG PAIRING: Trevor Kowalski. --- Homeward