Steve Minnich | morning as recognition : under every suit there is a body

Steve Minnich makes space for reading and writing in Richmond, Virginia. He volunteers for the Only Poems journal and sometimes makes books. Often chewing through dirt, for purposes of both digestion and propulsion, Steve is not hard to find. Find him. Say, "hello Steve." He would love to join you in reading, sometimes.

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Also by Steve Minnich: This is the One Where Gravity Man Bends to Tie His Shoe Act 10. every night must end; or, an act of morning (an excerpt) Meditations From A Restless Night

August 6, 2025

Steve Minnich

morning as recognition : under every suit there is a body

roll the shoulders that’s it feel every muscle loosen every unknown weight fall off if only for a moment remember how to inhabit a body reawakening from rest or if not quite then at least finally unbending rise from the folds of the closet find the suit wearing through wrinkled in spots perfect for the day ahead roll the shoulders again / feel the suit fall into place / the body swell to fill it entertain for a moment the thought of a day without suits every body getting around in their own vulnerable skin picture each tender self bursting into light how absurd how unlike us of outer layers to be so free roll the neck let thought go unburdened let yourself know that of all the un- countable number of ways this day could go it will in its way fall into place / and you you vulnerable body / will find your way to fill it

I don't sleep, I sometimes practice yoga, I walk around the house full nakey if I want to. Does it matter if I live in the center of a city, in an apartment easily seen from a busy sidewalk? On my block are three different churches, a hebrew congregation, and a basketball arena. Everywhere I turn, a house of ritual and blessing. I enter none of them & take what space I can.