Alan Dunnett
Struck by a Samovar
It was the call of old Russia,
Julie Christie on a toboggan in red
evening dress with Omar suffering
a heart attack and her breasts almost out.
There was talk of revolution and everyone
had another drink. People spoke (some sang)
with the swing of rightness and ripeness
and even fear was discussed and dismissed
with invigoration. Mother brought soup
and Ron drew out his chopsticks and pretended
to eat. Plastic chopsticks from the takeaway.
Ha, ha, Ronnie, ha, ha. Now, then: Jebbsie
goes to the shutter seriously
and smells it, looking out. Is the phone tapped?
The drink doesn’t help me sleep and last night I dreamed
I wet my bed. I want to go home. You are home,
Son. Make of it what you will. But I’m warning you.
They’ll burn you like Joan of Arc if you’re not careful.
I wish I were very young again. Thank you for pressing
a gun into my hand. I did not do this. Give us a welcome.
We are the sorters-out. Is there anyone down there, Jebbsie?
This night is too clear and, besides, the statue
is not bleeding. Give me a fair augury and I’d go. Look,
tomorrow, we’ll control our anger but be determined.
This is not so good. Julie is doing a re-take.
They will have checked her hair and waited for the sun
to strike the snow at just the right angle.
Page(s) 12
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