Intimate Moments Poem by Charl JF Cilliers

The cocktail party started fairly early,
as parties go. In a marquee
on the spacious lawn. This was a yearly
project, the hostess admitted: “Too busy normally
to entertain, I have a hundred-or-so friends
around for a little bash. Have to let the neighbours know
I’m having them round, so as not to offend,
you know! People can be so – oh, hullo
there! – insensitive somehow – hope you
enjoy yourself, must dash, don’t stand
on ceremony! ” All the while I’m wondering who
these people are I’ve never met and
why I’m here at all and not at home.

“Have a drink! Tell me, why so glum! ”
A stranger steers me to the drinks, his polished dome
like a searchlight, beaming…my heart grows numb!
“Let me tell you about my pipe collection. I have 16! ”

In the garden not a bird is heard or seen
except a peacock strutting across the lawn to preen.