Tuesday 20 September 2011

the latest poem

Recently I was at a party and watched two strangers in conversation - each one was puffed up
and trying to assert himself over the other - this is what I saw!



In that blue translucent dusklight
as the day dies into cool reflection,
surrounded by the hum of  quiet conversation
I watch as two egos face off
 in the dust beams.


I see their silver shadows rise to stand apart,
 faces hidden behind  polite society vizors.
They swirl huge, steel tipped swords
against thickly embossed shields,
 the ghostly metals crunching  
as sparks separate into airy dust.
Silent shouts drown each other out,
bending the airwaves, distorting thoughts
into fractured patterns

The drawingroom carpet soaks up the blood
disguising it in red and gold paisley;
 Soft  velvet curtains wrap around  their cries
smothering the battle in quiet civility.
The vacant faces of the guests
with painted doll smiles, unaware of
 the invisible struggle for supremacy
dancing above their heads.

Gradually, I see the silvery shadows dissipate
blown out by sudden, embarrassed laughter
and a jovial handshake.

And, just like the scent of the lilies
in the clear glass vase on the side table,
I remain a silent witness,
 nothing more than perfume.

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