Clubwich: An Art Experience Poem by Michael Shepherd

lay the lettuce on the plate first
that damps down the sound
of the iceberg lettuce which can
disturb hearing aids

if you’re into fartsy additional veg
chop them up small and sprinkle
it saves the whole edifice deconstructing
when you take the pin out

then a slice say an inch thick
of wholemeal bread which
you’ve soaked in olive oil and lemon juice
and rubbed garlic across as if
you were ironing the curtains
of a dolls’ house

then throw the half-tin of tuna
or the salmon you’ve just caught
on the top since after all
that’s what you want to taste
so put it out front stage
and cover it with mayonnaise
bet you’re drooling at this point
maybe looking at your watch

then eat while looking at
a reproduction of a reproduction
of Andy Warhol’s priceless screenprint
of a Campbell’s soup tin
gratitude may arise

sheer poetry
simple sensual immediate
self-expression clearly communicated
practical copy it in your faves
slip it in your Pulitzer Christmas Cracker
in place of the joke did I say joke since it
touches the heart touches all our lives
and for once you’ve read
right to the end of a poem haven’t you and
I bet you’ll remember it longer than
the thirteenth verse of the Ancient Mariner

similes metaphors you want
similes and metaphors supply your own then
they’ll be fresher than mine and
more spontaneous more relevant

yes that’s what I call a real poem