Dreams


I lift the corner of carpet and unveil
a sheet of ice coating a second carpet -
squatting on it like a slug. A cuff reveals
its laundry-bag plastic, its outdoor
crisp-packet in a puddle ...

and a few strands of thread.
I replace it.

-

Just like millions of New Yorkers
you're not sick but
before you go out, wrap your leg in newspaper
and then clingfilm

-

'Far far away, a train whistle blows
Strangers are singing on our lawn'
Tom Waits, 'Take it with me'

A Raymond Carver front lawn.

Cats and dogs don't like hats.

Dream

Bishopstrow. Meeting. I sit beside Fran. There is more space around us than usual. Retire and collect pad, pen, paper etc in a bag from a desk, like joining a team.

Home. Dad concerned that without electricity there will be anarchy. I find an art-piece on a radiator, lift, it twists and a little breaks. It is like a wooden physique-thing(?) dull, but heavier. I start to see dad's point. He makes us promise to stay downstairs. I go to bathroom and view drive. Car is at angle to drive, as if ready to drive in haste. Eric's house across way looks defeated in its comfort and sprawl. Then less so, as I consider it. Dad drives up in old MG, dark green. I run upstairs - mum in towel, bare arms and happy. She tells me about sewing, how she is a great sewer, and sewed a garment down the side.

School. At a second desk similar to first, a guy gathers all my free goods, then halts. I see the name on the folder - Luke - doesn't match mine. We argue. I protest innocence.

Walk in sun to new building, separate. I take my seat inside beside others. As I talk there, things become broken in my care, food wrappers accumulate. I fear F and I are coming to go upstairs to dispose of them. I open a door, with a name. This must be a girl's wing. Two beds on the floor, big duvets, one smaller than the other, covered in teddy bears, curtains closed. I peep into the next bedroom - similar picture.

Down to garden. Toss refuse into tall grass. Feel negligent as around me all is harvest, bright green grass aglow. See people - Zoe is there radiant in the guise of Elaine. I ask her how she is. Well. Why aren't I going to be a father?

Overhear Cam's voice, 'a guard.'

Check time, decide to leave not wait any longer for this meeting to commence. Hastily gather things.

Dream

Pass I + F
hug Carolina
at old flat, get pile of post
Amy's hand adds a small persoanl letter to my pile.

20 lengths