peter jerrim

wander on guano
kick birds aside
pick up feathers
put in calico bag
sail home

strip in front of mirror

to one feather at a time
apply superglue

attach across shoulder blades
down spine
backs of arms and legs
and…
a tuft on each ankle

unwrap razor blade
press gently into each cheek
let the blood flow

forget the girl with the red hair
forget the chip packet scudding on the post office steps
stop staring edge on to that spiral galaxy

let the blood flow