The Close
Coexistence
High up, oppressed by cold cash,
a man-
making his way downstairs
Below
a child-
struggling on stone floors
The lover,
parting with cold lips,
walking into the night alone.
One fox-
a delight of the small girl,
travelling through the barriers
she created.
A small tear,
cleaning dust on the mantelpiece, unheard by laughter
dancing around.
Grace Murray (M5)
The Bubble Wrap Man
Swathed in plastic sheets To protect him.
He may look bulky now But he’s so delicate.
And each word Pops a bubble.
Beneath his armour, He isn’t alien,
Or angry,
Just scared.
Of hurting himself.
He looks in the mirror, Pop, pop, pop.
He walks down the street, Pop, pop, pop.
The bubble wrap man Crackles and pops Like a fire
Destroying.
He’s protected himself,
But the people who love him Just bounce off now.
A human bouncy castle With all the fun drained out.
He’s oblivious,
Deaf.
The only words that penetrate
Say pop, pop, pop.
By Eleanor Rhodes-Leeder
