The Hold, by Matthew Murrey

Two Figures, by Francis Bacon (Britain, b. Ireland). 1953.

The Hold

Of course it takes 
time, like studying 
a contact sheet, frame by frame.
So how does this work and where 
does wanting end?  No
such lines, just blur
like chalk on an old blackboard
at three in the afternoon,
like a sketch left out in the rain.

Have you ever wrestled 
something for so long
that you were worn out, ready 
to call it quits? Sometimes 
a lover makes a face--
sometimes you make a face--
that in a silent film
could be pleasure, pain,
or a premonition of both.  
What if you get everything 
you long for, but not for long?
    
Sometimes you’re on top,
then the reverse. Maybe love 
sets you up for the takedown.  
You’re all in, stripped 
down and exposed.  
Then he cheats or leaves 
or takes his own life, 
and you have to take it--
held there like that, 
shoulders against the mat. ​

Matthew Murrey
​
This poem was written in response to the surprise ekphrastic poetry challenge on sex and art.

Matthew Murrey: "My poems have appeared in various journals such as Tar River Poetry, Poetry East, and Rattle.  I received an NEA Fellowship in Poetry a number of years ago, and my first book manuscript is seeking a publisher.  I am a high school librarian in Urbana, Illinois where I live with my partner.  We have two sons who live in the Pacific Northwest. My website is https://matthewmurrey.weebly. com/"