If Any

A one-minute poem film that offers a meditation on time, memory, the spectral, the animistic, and the presence and absence of faith. Directed, written, filmed, read, edited, and produced by Adam E. Stone. Filmed in Carbondale, Illinois, August and September, 2020. Painting by Saribenne Evesong (1931-2009). Text of poem:

Only spirits, if any, stay forever,
the corporeal always pivot away.

A raucous goodbye, or a misunderstanding,
"Good luck, old friend!" or "Good riddance, old fool!"

I pedal faster, to a hum on a breeze,
a flutter along a long-darkened hallway.

I name the ghosts, as if I can still see them,
a crush ... a friend ... an inspiration.

You called me silly, poked at my gloom,
said "There's no such thing as being alone!"

And even today, I want to believe you,
but I fail every test, again and again.

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HD Apple pro res 422 version available for download upon request.

Copyright 2021 by Adam E. Stone. All rights reserved.