Ian C Smith
I’ll
If you go away
I’ll watch all the sport on TV
I’ll drink tequila slammers
until my socks turn inside out
I’ll eat from the saucepan
spit in the sink, leave
the bed, our bed, unmade.
If you give up on me
I’ll watch porn movies, nude
confi de my secrets to the dog
sing old hits in a loud, cracked voice
I’ll let grass grow weedy and wild
indulge my prejudices, ignore
seatbelts, leave floors filthy.
If you don’t want me
to touch you again I’ll pretend
rare quiet is holy, light the bed-lamp
at two am read neglected books
I’ll fart like a bikie, take my time
all the time in the world
practising composure.
If you get smart, move on
I’ll stand by the river at
the frightening hour of day, be seen
from the bridge in silhouette
hands deep in pockets considering
my cornucopia of choice
recalling edited highlights.
Page(s) 48
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