we were supposed to skip school
at least
she wanted to
spend a day sat down
the concrete steps
by the canal
I bit her ear and
it was burnt toast
I stole her scabs
for voodoo spells
we were supposed to bunk off
the girl
with the purple-stained breath
and me / the girl with halo shoes
but
afraid of dogs and dirt, I
stayed in class
in trigonometry
without her talcum
my cheeks were red
all our angles
were ever more obtuse
at least
she wanted to
spend a day sat down
the concrete steps
by the canal
I bit her ear and
it was burnt toast
I stole her scabs
for voodoo spells
we were supposed to bunk off
the girl
with the purple-stained breath
and me / the girl with halo shoes
but
afraid of dogs and dirt, I
stayed in class
in trigonometry
without her talcum
my cheeks were red
all our angles
were ever more obtuse
Like the ending especially. *
Love the way this travels through a succession of striking images to that surprising ( to me) ending. Really enjoyed lingering on each section for a little while.
I like the tumbling images. Great energy.
Good piece. Phrasing with force. I like it.
The lines turn with great effect.
Thanks all! Appreciate your readings. x
This has a great feel to it. The images and the sounds. And surprises, like this:
I bit her ear and
it was burnt toast
Even the title fits so neatly.
*
There's so much to understand about the N in this tiny vertical space, and how her decision has fallen on her. What a tight, fine poem. *
"I stole her scabs
for voodoo spells." *
Ah, thanks! I do so love to bite and steal.