Olivetti

Olivetti

Saturday, 21 January 2017

Do I Know this Nameless Face?

I put down the cup
and let Side A play
for the fifth time;

the image – unlike this coffee –
is strong; Side B forgotten

as I stare hard:

tugged memories,
rocks of rum lifted,
driftwood of drugs scattered;

searching in vain.

Her eyes drill
into mine;
wisdom deep-pooled,
colour unknown;

my thoughts snared.

Smile quizzical;

but it is still a smile

and it knows something,
something cool;
something no-one else does –
except maybe me –
but I can’t be sure.

Maybe this image
has been drunk-captured
by a stranger?

Has a nervous compliment
passed their lips
about her beauty;

is this the look reserved
for such situations?

Maybe it’s not her that I know;

maybe it’s this look
I’m familiar with;

the look of patience
tarnished with pity

and feigned longing.


Tomas Bird - High Valley 2016

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