13
Drama Games
We were animals once,
in a drama game. A cat slinked,
sensuous, round our legs; a chicken jerked
her beak, pecked us with sharp words.
You’d say you’re a rabbit, caught
in headlights, not knowing which way to turn.
But I see a snake. Eyes darting, furtive, venom
dripping from your tongue. Predator. Not prey.
We acted appliances, too. A microwave
warmed me from inside out; a radio –
each song a novelty at first, till someone
else’s favourites played on endless repeat.
You were all those things. But right now,
I think you’re a kettle: stainless
steel exterior, holding liquid
in, while coming to the boil inside.
And today I’m the bin –
lid pushed down, stuffed with plastic
wrappers – waiting, in the corner,
for whatever crap you throw. And I’m also
the broken light bulb over the cooker,
that makes it hard to see the food I’m stirring
and the cobwebs over the extraction hood
that are building up dust again.
- Mel White
X
“Sweet dreams x”
What is this overwhelming warmth?
This warmth that engulfs my chest
upon seeing this letter X.
How can such a letter carry such warmth?
I can’t contain the smile,
A somewhat smug one at that.
This warmth and smile I have yearned for,
simply achieved by receiving the letter X.
- Jack White
X
“Sweet dreams x”
What is this overwhelming warmth?
This warmth that engulfs my chest
upon seeing this letter X.
How can such a letter carry such warmth?
I can’t contain the smile,
A somewhat smug one at that.
This warmth and smile I have yearned for,
simply achieved by receiving the letter X.