You cannot see me from where I look at myself.
– Francesca Woodman

1. Wallpaper

I wrap my body into the walls
and this could be anywhere
but here—and is

I wrap my body 
I am the wall, the roof
that holds back the sky—
the floor is a story

that disappears
that has no words
that isn’t mine

          – after Space 2 series 1976, Providence, Rhode Island [wallpaper]


2. Gift

The sun is never
close enough

Here, take my wing
I give it to you

Like a thread of knowing
Like a whisper
Like a room inside your head

          – after Angel Series, Rome, 1977


5. Awkward Sonnet(s)

I’m in hiding                          /           ready to pounce
I am gloveless,                       /            holding back words
          hand at my heart                               where there is no 
          to feel it beating                                 forgiveness—
What I see                             /             my eyes are 
          can’t be told                                        telling me now
If one thing is sacred            /            all things are—filled
This place is as                      /            my body can’t decide
          it should be                                         the difference—
I am haunting,                      /             an angel to
          I am haunted                                      find your soul
I’m Francesca, I’ve                /            not “I,” don’t know her,
          a voice—listen                                     not her—
What world is this                /            what world—

          – after from Polka Dots, 1976

Sam Rasnake