Malak Mattar, Untitled (detail), 2024, charcoal on paper
Point Reyes, California
It is important to know the names of things
the seals will follow you
dive and rise at your pace
at four a.m.
the rocks will crawl towards you
their hands alive with leaves of water
it is important to name the place
here the sky splits with a belly of new rain
it is important to know whom to ask when you have lost position
Ellen Carter is now working as an Editorial Assistant on John Hopkins’ Alumni magazine. (updated 1976)