Chris McCabe (London, UK): Two Poems

THE MANNEQUINS

The Mannequins were premature –
Their suits too big –
Sport sacks catnapped shoulders –
And so they shared time –
Across wristwatches like grass –
Grasshoppers in a milk-dish –
While cameras grazed red bricks –
Swans at ease –
So the Mannequins took art careers –
Ice-cream vans carouselled in funny mirrors –
Began at a Gallery called –
WELCOME TO THE CRYPT –
As before, they arrived early –
To read over their notes –
And drink enough coffee –


MAGPIES

GUINNESS is a kind of meat
a sustenance

that stains us
(with excess)

the Teddy slick
of oil & cream

in 1 magpie’s tail –
it was not your heart

You said

that stirred beyond
the myth for this

– these –

killerwhale birds


© Chris McCabe 2009