Twisted around a cautious allegory
Meaning nothing, complicated at zero
Burning darlings, attenuated to a fibre
Listening to Elvis not an afterthought.
Slow pints become the demeanour of the day
Depressed afterburn on the mantel-piece
Advertising disgrace in one’s own time
Handling danger like a rigid grenade.
Enslaved flowers dot the mediocre table
Counted to embrace the local tealights
Games for killing time associate fast
Fashionable decorum shining in shadows
In time for the soundcheck, pre-emptive strike
Kissing on the quiet a perfect gesture
Contributing to a reward, stream of unconsciousness
Latest song rehearsed to a higher beauty.
Loudspeaker democracy commands attention
Selling favours for keepsakes, authentic fire
Skirting around boards a trite dissolution
Happy nonetheless, service where it is due.
Formulaic requests, boiled down to nutrition
Waxen sculptures reflect on a broken eye
Otherwise duties stalled for the moment
Illuminated beer-mats twist for entertainment.
About Patricia Walsh:
Patricia Walsh was born and raised in the parish of Mourneabbey, Co Cork, Ireland. She has previously published a range of poetry in publications across Ireland, the UK, and the US, and one collection of poetry, Continuity Errors, with Lapwing, and two novels, The Quest For Lost Éire, and In The Days of Ford Cortina, in 2013 and 2021 respectively. She lives in Cork City. A further novel, Hell for Beginners, is scheduled for release in 2024.
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