WALKING
in those days walked everywhere
the city playing on my nerves like a malicious instrument
there was no guide but the lure of black nights
down Victoria Street through parks
round the cemetery shadowy colleges
down to the docks clambering onto the ship
well that was an error
somehow got out of that one thanks to mad V –
my companion in nothingness
negotiations with officials etcetera
don’t go near any certified medical practitioner
carry on
leap out of that
more walking
Carlton North Fitzroy Clifton Hill
the party for musicians
artist kneeling at the feet of the woman in gold
I worship you
locked eyes with the actor who later joined
Grotowski in the forest
seen again in Sydney a dance turn in stained glass
at the church.
the city playing on my nerves like a malicious instrument
there was no guide but the lure of black nights
down Victoria Street through parks
round the cemetery shadowy colleges
down to the docks clambering onto the ship
well that was an error
somehow got out of that one thanks to mad V –
my companion in nothingness
negotiations with officials etcetera
don’t go near any certified medical practitioner
carry on
leap out of that
more walking
Carlton North Fitzroy Clifton Hill
the party for musicians
artist kneeling at the feet of the woman in gold
I worship you
locked eyes with the actor who later joined
Grotowski in the forest
seen again in Sydney a dance turn in stained glass
at the church.
Jennifer Mackenzie is a poet and reviewer. Her latest book, The Wallace Line: A Poem, will be out in September with Transit Lounge.