Christening The Basement Poem by Dónall Dempsey

You lead me
down to the depths
of the basement

balanced precariously
on heels
not meant to manoeuvre such twists &
turns

you reach your
hand back

hold me delicately
by the fingertips

controlling me
with such tenderness

casting a quick
glance every now & then

to ensure I haven’t
evaporated

Or gone out like
a candle.

“I’m still here! ”
I reiterate

Stepping into darkness
and hoping there’s another stair.

Your hair
flicking from side to side.

finally we arrive.

We stand in utter darkness
until our eyes accustom to it.


“Let’s not turn the light on! ”

“Why are we here! ”
I enquire.

“This is the only room
in the house
we haven’t…made love in! ”

You whisper
as if it’s Friday the 13th.

“And.? ”
I joke
as if don’t know what
...is coming next!

And so
(half scared to death)
We make love

waiting for Jason or Freddie
to jump out on us

but they never come.

Only us.

Only us.