Abandoned Upland Farm
David Sheridan
(applause)
After drinking ironwater from the pump
We saw the fishnet of tarred rope hanging in tatters.
Maybe here’s where Noah ran aground. (guffaws)
It’s no wonder this farmer went broke,
He thought he was a fisherman. (more guffaws)
Skulking through an amazon of nettles were feral cats.
I wanted to talk with them, hear their stories.
Afternoon buzz and apple rot made me drowsy.
Stretched out beneath a trellis
I dreamt of elephants in a marmalade field,
Bare-legged girls astride them. (titter, titter)
I must jacknife back
Back into middle-age.
(coughing)