Rupert Mallin
Drumming The Shade
 |
They’ve placed a guard on the hunt, Heather,
Dear Heather.
You’ll get your compensation
(the gate, the fence, the lawn), Heather,
Dear Heather.
They’re wearing their identification
next to their skin -
nothing a carrier-bag worn over the head
could not hide from detection.
Boxing Day they’ll be scattered
like pink pricks of flame, Heather,
Dear Heather.
They’ll screw two bloodied fingers
up inside you but you’ll get your compensation,
Dear Heather.
Isn’t it strange how slacks with stirrups
shape people?
The hunt are having a whip round.
Glasses of brandy outside The Bell.
The hotelier strokes his wife’s fur.
The barmaid strokes a purring tabby.
Beagles turn fur over
and inside out into wraps.
Something’s in the wind.
There’s a scent. Sound the horn.
The policemen raise shields.
The drumming begins.
Page(s) 119
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