Sunday, November 1, 2020

Kate Hargreaves : Two poems



Lux model recall

Extreme Steam Venting™.
touch
hot surfaces
touch
handles & knobs
hands, face scalding
(any pressure can be hazardous).
Serious, necessary pressure
may cause a fire or
risk of clogging.

Immerse in
applesauce, pearl barley, or rhubarb.
Do not release outdoors
expose too directly to sunshine or oil splash.
Float down the lock
(extreme caution must be used when moving).

Foam, froth and sputter
hot oil
place hands or face in
hot liquids
before putting on or taking off parts.
Do not immerse persons in juices.
To disconnect:
remove water and rust
Time is not recommended to
reduce physical, sensory, mental capacities.

To delay scalding injury
serious damage (any damage)
hang over the edge
for complete release.



you don’t say

That is to say:        
                     —floors sprout hair overnight
                     —grout wears down to dust
                     —take time to deadhead mums
                     —admit they’ll never live
                     —plan for obsolescence
                     —roll out another crust
                     —invest in washing line
                     —release static in sleep
                     —bleach over concrete
                     —seal in that coat
                     —tug the roots from their ends
                     —start at the baseboards, work up
                     —roads are all horizontal
                     —release pressure, keep safe
                     —paper over the clean out
                     —bury heads in dust
                     —choke on skin cells
                     —pull back from the crowd
                     —silence is not unreasonable
                     —shake twice to erase
                     —everything is returnable
                     —set friendships in wax
                     —weather seal doors & windows
                     —press hands over ears
                     —layer shirts & shirts
                     —draw circles in tight
                     —grow ever smaller
                     —lay down in the weeds
                     —build fences without gates
                     —stack hay bales for cats
                     —no need to reach out
                     —dig basements: build down
                     —fast circles of hands
                     —plant boots into soil
                     —pull apart like warm bread
                     —forget to be asked
                     —bundle up trash
                     —leave enough space
                     —consume your own burden
                     —cut ties with ghosts
                     —re-write old letters
                     —pre-empt/bow out





Kate Hargreaves is a book designer, writer, and academic writing advisor in Windsor, Ontario. Her books include Leak (Book*hug), Jammer Star (Orca), and Talking Derby (Black Moss). She is usually a roller derby skater and amateur cyclist but is currently recovering from a very broken leg. Find her online at CorusKate.com. 
         

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