Published in Overland Issue 205 Summer 2011 · Uncategorized the supplement Ruby Todd desire creates the hollow in which the bird can roost to what is not I add you a song yet looking for its truth what is absent from the present will demarcate the light to add you as travelling in the desert oceans fill the night horizon of the eye a compass wider than the day for what is not you? behold before a body dies how it longs to stay you are my favourite fact I recall you like a sum add you to what is not between my thoughts the secret pact to this bare hour add one I add you losing this day to dark gods my mind drunk on a dream I feel the equation beckon the bird begins to nod Ruby Todd is undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing at Deakin University. © Ruby Todd Overland 205-summer 2011, p. 79 Like this piece? Subscribe! Ruby Todd More by Ruby Todd › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 17 February 202517 February 2025 · the arts Seeking a quieter Australia: on the silencing of Khaled Sabsabi Micaela Sahhar For five days, the Australian representative to the 2026 Venice Biennale was to be the first ever Arab-Australian artist selected for this honour. 14 February 202514 February 2025 · Poetry 9 to 5 Dave Drayton volunteer to clown / undermine an award / construct to heave / interfere in class / dismantle if civil / disregard no cause / freelance at ennui