Bonzer Words!: Three Poems
Giancarla Curtis's poems turn the ordinary into something special.
Giancarla writes for Bonzer! magazine. Please visit www.bonzer.org.au
TIMEPIECE
I glance at a bare wrist
and unease alters breath:
my watch is being repaired.
will I be able to fit
the allotted tasks
into my day?
The open diary menaces
mind wavers between lines
layers of being mislaid
As the hours wear on
I long for the face
the regulator
The hands that hold me
in their grip
THE BROWN BAG
She wipes her forehead
Says: Don't open it. Let me be.
I've had a hard day.
I know they are inside,
Shiny, black,
Buttons like rosettes
Yesterday Mother and I
Put them on lay-by
I troubled over the choice
Settled on the black ones
Danced all night in them
Waited for mother to come home
Has she brought back the right shoes
Why does she keep me waiting
I watch the brown bag
My gift inside.
I'm eight today.
INCENSE STICK
Dusting the mantelpiece
you turn our wedding picture
to the wall
I scour tiles
attack all skirting boards
scrub pots in silence
You stride down the passage
prime the Hoover
torpedo through the house
You go to bed
I stay up
light an incense stick
Turn our wedding photo
to face the room
Polish the ring you gave me
until it gleams
