Three Poems - Rachael Parker

The Waiting Game

I sense your presence, you’re somewhere, taunting me.

But where? Where did I throw you in my frenzy of frustration and impatience?

Probably under the bed, among forgotten socks and dusty books I have nowhere else to store.

You’re silence is unnerving. I hope you’re not punishing me.

Why won’t you play that tune I hate?

I promise I won’t moan… I need you to bring his voice to me. I need to hear good news.

Any news.

‘He doesn’t love you.’

Shut up, he does.

Doesn’t he? I don’t even know who he is anymore; I’ve probably made him up

like I did my imaginary friend Felix in year 3 (named after the cat).

Fine, I’ll come and get you. You can continue to judge me on my bedside table. Old Teddy joins in, sitting propped against my headboard, staring with the black beads that are his eyes.

The clock above my desk’s continuous ticks are patronising, reminding me of the time that I am wasting. I need to leave you now, grab a coat and shoes. Go.

Rinngggggggg. Ringggggggg.

I have never loved you so much.

Dance

I am a puppet. I have no control

Over my body which is being

Pulled by the rhythm, side to side.

My arms fly above my head in random fashion,

My hips circulate and I believe

I am invincible.

+++

No longer human

I am forever fused with the music that manipulates me.

My surroundings are blurred, I am aware of people nearby

But they are meaningless.

All that matters is that I am free to twist and turn,

My torso and limbs are thrown into random lines and shapes.

I am in a bubble of my own, and nothing can interrupt

Neither my mind nor my body.

Laughing

It attacks you like an itch,

Sudden and surprising.

But not irritating, like an itch;

It’s wonderful.

It’s a strong surge of euphoria sent through your body

From heart to mouth,

And out to the world.

+++

It comes in different personalities;

Polite, jolly, cruel, and quiet.

It’s a vital element of life,

Though it can be inappropriate at times.

Hurtful and embarrassing

But uncontrollable, and once it catches you

Your mind and body become slaves to it.

If it was a drug it would be ecstasy,

And like a drug it takes over, and

It won’t let go.

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