These three poems by Jack Hinks explore his relationship with time, craft, and sense of value in an increasingly difficult environment. Known for his introspective lens and exploration of self and creativity, Jack’s work aims to build a bridge between the existential and the everyday…
by: Jack Hinks
FRECKLES I give parts of myself daily to something I only just realised I am not taking from. Stockholmed to the procedure rituals tied to the exchange of power masquerading as progress. Growth. I have always been infatuated with time Jumping from sinking rock to sinking rock, the next depletion Short for the moments I catch the sun dancing on your skin, and I realise I don’t want time to ever move again.
BLACKSMITH I am beginning to feel the dropping off. The retreat to a restless slumber, speckled with moments of myself in a harsher light. Last night I met a blacksmith. He used all the words I know all the tools but in the wrong order. I forge a furrowed brow that I am unable to take back Not yet versed in correction. I prayed for his blade to withstand when really I should have prayed for mine.
DRILL I am an island crying on hold while bootleg (upbeat) funk drills a hole in my temple. How lucky we are to be alive in a time of ethics Where I can lose sleep on fiction and not wake up with an arrow through my leg A spear at my back Knife at my throat I did not catch the salmon harvest the rice or hold my hands out in a storm, losing skin for a drink just to slip through my fingers Your call is very important to us. It is important to breathe. Weather the chiming hail and sun’s needles, when all you are is a cloud turned black scorned by all but the thirsty, giving nothing to those who need you Burning bandages in front of the bloodied We are sorry to keep you waiting.
Jack Hinks is a UK-based poet, musician, and photographer. Having worked extensively as a musician within the UK poetry scene and collaborating with hundreds of poets, Jack finally began writing and performing his own poetry. Jack’s work addresses his introspective outlook, and often explores themes of grief, slow growth, and struggle. He is currently working on his first collection. You can find his work in the ‘Loud Poets NaPoWriMo Scrapbook.
