SPEAK FOR MYSELF

and so
forced to acclimatize
we connected the dots
got the big picture

which of course
did not in any way say
was there
on the inside wheedling
whittling away

and so
in some city state
a ferocious text about
to launch itself
take flight
savage monarchy
and religion

a new
kind of villain at the stage door

and me, despite my
best instincts, being
pushed in a direction
curiously reptilian

burning eyes
blue tongue

pockets for poisons and
concealed array
of daggers

the darkness of forest
overgrown uncomfortably
close to the throne

Published by Damian Garside