Jordie Albiston
call it a crash you & your debris float
toward China or hydrogen guides you
& bombs it must be that chemical trash
again your off-the-synaptic-chart-kind-
of-brain it must be something you ate by
mistake or the universe snapped or bi-
axial cheapskate design the trashy
novel the flaxen-haired heroine floats
slowly past if only life was kinder
etc if only he knew you
better there will always be something you
don’t quite get all this jetsam & flotsam
lagan derelict vessels deemed wrecked by
maritime law all this try to be kind
& don’t ask for more & take out the trash
in your head let heaven collect that trash!
forget your molecules & your goodbyes
listen close give in hear it calling your
name the boat will stop rocking become kind
of tamed & you & your compounds floating
Jordie Albiston has published eight poetry collections. Two of her books have been adapted for music-theatre, both enjoying seasons at the Sydney Opera House. Jordie’s work has won many awards, including the 2010 NSW Premier’s Prize. She lives in Melbourne.
Leave a Reply