This poet invented a new word
for her poem: "my withness," meaning
a person who is always with you.

The Meadow

Kate Knapp Johnson

Half the day lost, staring
at this window. I wanted to know
just one true thing

about the soul, but I left thinking
for thought, and now -
two inches of snow have fallen

over the meadow. Where did I go,
how long was I out looking
for you?, who would never leave me,
my withness, my here.

from Wind Somewhere, and Shade, 2001
Miami University Press, Oxford, Ohio