THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.
What do I do for work you ask?
I embroider constellations on
On the dark velvet of midnight skies;
Sometimes I sing to wild deer and
Draw motifs on their silken skin.
Mornings, I collect dews from grass to
Quench the thirst of birds, parched from
Singing all dawn, waking up Gods and us.
Afternoons I smell old books with old rose,
Old leaves and yellowed love letters, hidden
Between pages, talking of longing and loss.
Evenings are busy too; moons come to
Consult on shapes, and on whether to
Hide, or to help lovers in the dark, seek.
I rest at night on sands under palms and
Fronds bow low to tickle my brow.
Rest apart, play apart, musings,ministrations,
And mindful distraction from being thrown
Amidst so much beauty and joy apart,
What do I really do for work you ask?