The Dewey decimal
classification for English Poetry,
State Library of South
Australia.
Like a major life event
it begins with Kingsley Amis
and ends with Speech!
Speech!
The shelf is white with a surprising lack of dust.
Set deep in a discreet corner
light angling in through the history of Europe (940-949)
I am alone.
As it should be with poetry
don’t you think?
Running fingers over spines
slick in their waterproof jackets,
I select Simon Armitage
from the straight-backed crowd of English men,
take him to a quiet corner
and have my way with him
on a desk
looking out over the Governor’s garden.
The green shutters are open.
I hope His Excellency
is not
looking back.
Always the first shelf I make for in a library, too. But so far I have not encountered Simon Armitage.
ReplyDeleteWas it good for you?
Haha. A poet never tells!
DeleteI love that you had your way with him! What a great line! I really enjoyed this Rachael. PS - one of my favourite Simon Armitage poems is his homage to Louis MacNeice's Snow. I can't remember the title but it is short and lovely and I'm sure it's in 'Paper Aeroplanes'....
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. I can't remember that particular poem but I love that MacNeice poem about snow and roses so I'll definitely look it up.
ReplyDelete