Paul Groves
Rush Hour on the Circle Line
‘Tight’ is the only adjective which fits.
The only noun is ‘squeeze’.
The cover-up’s complete: no bums or tits,
just outlines. He thinks please
and never thank you, as he never gets
to fondle what he sees.
‘So near and yet so far’ a cliched voice
mocks in his inner ear.
Tourists and secretaries offer choice
but little chance to score
even a touch, while verbal intercourse
is also ruled out here.
And so he smells their perfume, eyes their suits,
and views their sheeny legs.
Each is a goddess, crammed with absolutes,
who, in his mind’s eye, begs
for his embrace. This continuous route’s
his purgatory. Kegs
of gunpowder are packed into his frame,
requiring just one spark
to set them off, to bring a moment’s shame
and pleasure to his dark
subterranean urges’ constant claim.
Meanwhile, St James’s Park
arrests them with a jolt. Passengers sway.
Some lose their footing for
a second - long enough for him to stay
himself against a whore
who reaches for his zip asking Okay?
but then steps past the door.
Page(s) 29
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