Darling, were you at the park tonight?
Did you know
I took a walk, round the park today.
Donned my Sunday morning best, buttons
Up to my neck.
You said, Darling, come to our place
Where the wind catches a breath
In the shadows
Of our playground, true confess.
I must admit, I was never too
bold with words. You didn’t mind, but today I thought
I’d nick a flower
Or two, for you.
It’s spring after all, and the hibiscus
is in bloom
Where are you? little red has found her shoes
golden beads fleeing the scene
Do you see me? dreads of trees, awakening
worrying, into the charcoal night.
Bush ablaze, sacred light
I knew it was you
Whispering my name.
Come here, little child,
I know what you want.
Dread river, hauling through
Wailing masses.
Fifth circles, fifth finger knotted in
Tandem, oaths spat on,
Stop biting the hand.
It chokes around us as we embrace
Your fingertips; mosaic of your colours aglow
It’s blue, it’s white, it’s yellow, it’s red
Come on now, show your hand
The children were clapping, and behind their
Bodies I could see
Sewn smiles
Girls in pigtails, boys offering their hand
And I thanked you, even in the end
Wet salt, searing against my cheeks
As I sunk into the moss
Torched Stygian through
Your footsteps gone, grass spry before I could ask,
Hold my hand, just this once…
