Muybridge's Runner
The money was in an envelope
Leaning against the glazed vase
Like the remnant of a house of cards.
The stairs creaked as you climbed
To his room, abandoned
Save for the huge black drape -
A flag for all the world's mourning -
And his surly assistants,
Waiting to unveil the secret apparatus.
They gave you your orders: strip, and streak
From left to right as though
Your life depended on it.
Look straight ahead, they warned,
Readying their moustaches
For his brisk entrance.
You heard Go! and the sound of churning.
It was a freezing, temporary place.
You were glad to get dressed,
Pocket your pay and return
To the pool, where he had first spied you,
His body trapped in the Turkish bath,
His head misted among echoing voices.
You ran
From Jeremiah and Ezekiel,
Vain pursuer and covered ankle,
To the arms of your lover.
You are the naked prodigal,
Running to the arms of your father.
Running, running, running,
Without end.
Page(s) 20
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