Christopher Barnes


after Riot Days by Maria Alyokhina of Pussy Riot


DWINDLING KITTY


Cold wave homestretches...'do svidaniya!'
Effigies flame on pack ice.
Age-long curfews, recording.
No picnic to lull —
Fugitives keep drifting.

We fail to maintain Naturalism.



STEADFASTLY UNDER WRAPS


Ragged English pidgins the message.
Door thumps compliment facts.
Bulbs off unpredictably.
Glimpse heavens —
Sun retreats.

Choreography goes ham.



PIRATED DUDS


Constabulary spotlights rogue's gallery.
Bo-peep tresses under frosty hat —
Specs deviate a posture.
By matins we fade.

Subplot has legs too.



SKYPE TO FOUR WINDS


Backwoods are prudent.
Aloof coots intuit raw deals.
News scrutiny went hoopla.
Bawling-out isn't a crime.

Let's try Total Theatre.



WARRANTS


Coffeehouse privy — immaculate sit-tight.
The fuzz dam rights-of-way.
Putin broadcasts harangued stanzas.
Vodaphone clicked taut.
Attorney yells 'run'.

We mime low comedy.

Christopher Barnes' first collection LOVEBITES was published by Chanticleer Press. He reads for Proudwords lesbian and gay writing festival each year, partakes in workshops, and co-edited the poetry magazine Interpoetry.

 
 

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