Conversation Pieces Poem by Katrina Willoughby

I. conversation – exchange of

I don’t want your
small change words
debased coinage wrapped in
toffee papers pocket fluff
easy on the tongue and easy
when they’re gone
go deeper
shall I trade with you
for amber beads?


II. conversation - without words
(or where does the escalator go to?)

Two who found each
other in the airport
crush heard his flight
called while riding up the
escalator

& being then on
the same level they kissed &
stepped off together
almost



III. conversation – carried on

I’m getting at you –
do
you mind?

No, not at all…
I shall
have to build a fence this
winter, to keep the wind off









IV. conversation – on paper

The sun is set
in its ways

anytime you want
my heavenly help
he wrote
just pray for Paul

God knows
the sun should be
so settled


V. conversation – party line

Old friends come round
with new phone numbers

no, nothing old &
something new’s unlisted
he wants nothing borrowed
nothing blue

there is a dog
at the end
of the line & no phone
a house in the trees


VI. conversation – cut off

For want
of forty cents
he fills his life
with unfinished
conversations

should
the caller wish to
continue a deposit
is required







VII. conversation – cinematic

He
(ever provident
rerunning credits)
the trailer’s promising
I’d like to see Betrayal…

she
(with reservations)
I’ve been there –
Mr Wrong?



VIII. Conversation – disconnected

Is there anything
I can do for you
while I’m out?

I rather doubt it.
You are always out.
I’m tired of banging
on your door and
finding no-one home