Cake Business 1977 Poem by Terry Collett

You moved the cakes
from the rack
and put them on
the pallet carefully
so they wouldn't fall,

you gazed at the metal
note board where
the cake orders were
20 cupcakes you read
and moved on to
where the cupcakes
were stacked,

Natanya the night before
stretched out on the bed
arms spread wide
legs likewise
you undressing
studying her fruits,

Socrates est negativa
you had read
in some book
before you climbed
the stairs to bed
questo non è mondo reale
the Italian guy had said,

you handed down the cupcakes
and placed them
on the pallet carefully
against the side next
to the ginger cakes,

Natanya watched
as you undressed
muttering about
this or that warm up game
you undressed
stood there waiting
your piece proud,

nessun altro mondo
the other Italian guy said
in the book you read,

you moved the pallet
on to the next cake section
and studied the list
40 Sandwich cakes
you handled the cakes
in between your hands
and on to the pallet
someone had inked
Led Zeppelin rock
on the pallet back,

Natanya moved
to the side of the bed
as you sat there games?
She said
if you want
you said
and she moved over you
and mouthed you,

questo è il mondo reale
the Italian replied
and you closed the book
and walked the stairs,

the list of cakes
was completed
and you pushed the pallet
to the checkers
who checked the cakes
with the list,

you mused I couldn't do
that brain deadening job
unless pissed.