I. conversation – exchange of
I don’t want your
small change words
debased coinage wrapped in
toffee papers pocket fluff
easy on the tongue and easy
when they’re gone
go deeper
shall I trade with you
for amber beads?
II. conversation - without words
(or where does the escalator go to?)
Two who found each
other in the airport
crush heard his flight
called while riding up the
escalator
& being then on
the same level they kissed &
stepped off together
almost
III. conversation – carried on
I’m getting at you –
do
you mind?
No, not at all…
I shall
have to build a fence this
winter, to keep the wind off
IV. conversation – on paper
The sun is set
in its ways
anytime you want
my heavenly help
he wrote
just pray for Paul
God knows
the sun should be
so settled
V. conversation – party line
Old friends come round
with new phone numbers
no, nothing old &
something new’s unlisted
he wants nothing borrowed
nothing blue
there is a dog
at the end
of the line & no phone
a house in the trees
VI. conversation – cut off
For want
of forty cents
he fills his life
with unfinished
conversations
should
the caller wish to
continue a deposit
is required
VII. conversation – cinematic
He
(ever provident
rerunning credits)
the trailer’s promising
I’d like to see Betrayal…
she
(with reservations)
I’ve been there –
Mr Wrong?
VIII. Conversation – disconnected
Is there anything
I can do for you
while I’m out?
I rather doubt it.
You are always out.
I’m tired of banging
on your door and
finding no-one home
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem