PICKINGS

Poetry from NHI publications

SQUIRREL
Frozen by fear and car headlights You become dependent on me, Interfere in my plans. You have rights: I cannot callously drive over you. I must move you it seems, bodily. Half vexed, half amused, I leave my car Though the lane is lonely And time is pressing. Your heart beats under my hand: Your warmth surprises, reminds me Of kittens and piglets and days on the land. Apologising, Iplace you on a wall Suddenly you find life. Your back arches Then you vanish into dusk. For a moment my city self pauses Envying the wild. All that evening Your heart beats on, under my hand.
PAULINE KIRK

SQUIRREL

Frozen by fear and car headlights
You become dependent on me,
Interfere in my plans. You have rights:
I cannot callously drive over you.

I must move you it seems, bodily.
Half vexed, half amused, I leave my car
Though the lane is lonely
And time is pressing.

Your heart beats under my hand:
Your warmth surprises, reminds me
Of kittens and piglets and days on the land.
Apologising, Iplace you on a wall

Suddenly you find life. Your back arches
Then you vanish into dusk.
For a moment my city self pauses
Envying the wild. All that evening
Your heart beats on, under my hand.

PAULINE KIRK

from
New Hope International New Series #10

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This page last updated: 24th November 2005.