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The Hope

In the woods as the trees fade in the dusk
Tam unable to speak or to gesture.
I lie down to warm myself against the ground.
If live through the night
I will be a species
related to the trees
and the cold dark.

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That Lucia broke the machine twice in one week was evidence enough. He also offered this—she’s no longer automatic, her stitches are crooked and once another seamstress found Lucia’s “lost” sewing patterns in the trash. The security guard half listened as Lucia gathered her things. Then the manager turned directly to her—what is it with you? We give you work, put money in your pocket. She put on her best disappointed face as they escorted her past rows of itchy throats, bowed heads, the refrain of needle through fabric. …

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DANIEL HOFFMAN …

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Jorie Graham

The glossary

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