Dial tone
Up and down the hallwayphones are ringinghe went to schoolthe kitchen is full.
She would've said itwho could stop him?here is the doctorI have to sign.
A million squeezesnow certificationI the informantafter all this time.
Snaps of wafersviewing arrangementshandles like that?who would make them.
One then anotherproofs and papers'no flowers please'ward donations.
what a creation.
Wind
Trees are moving houses.scavenger squadsare sling-shot,flung at squall speedgather like tea leavesthe day has no front teethit raves in the street,it is grey as a tap.
a murky x-rayof a multiple traumathe front door keeps whistlingold songs about going away,even the radio echoes'just say the word', Sinatra sings.these hinges hate me,not one screw will stay putthey are moving out,the evidence isto anchor a cabaretwell you wanted to see a temper
remove a frequency.
Family tree
A cage, a bloodbath,an acorn of vanitiesadorn display cabinets,decorate the perch.
Some trace to esteem,stretch sobering featssome wipe dustfrom cobwebbed boxes
Run slave with beastseek recent arrivals,indentured drudgeat clearance prices.
Usher silenceuncover gloomfind pummelled menin boiler rooms.
Shocked on wallsor draggedfrom drawers,ghosts in pleats and hats.
Befuddled groomsin full costume,heirloomsframed by naphtha-flash.
All dearly belovedwaiting in heavenyours to the last,remember that.
Floating mountain
in memorial stands,cool climate tweed
Mountain Ash,lopped amputees
a daguerreotypeof breath in beams
cottage prints,tea-towel fernery
filtered fathoms,gilded shadows
latches, snibsand boiled sweets
evening gowns,tentacle jewellery
fountain lights,drizzle below
Alistair Stewart is a poet and editor and the author of the critically acclaimed verse narrative Frankston 281. His new collection, Plain and Purl, from which the above poems were taken, will be launched by Father Bob Maguire at 4pm on April 14 at Gasworks Arts Park in Albert Park, Vic.