The Goodbye Party
Based on ‘Where we are’ by Stephen Dobyns
Shaking a glass ball - a man
stares into the scene, as snow
falls onto plastic figures
Dipping her chips into the blob of mayonnaise
A woman bites down; white liquid oozes
through the gaps of her teeth
Knobbly elbows and stooped shoulders
lean in
Table legs wobble, white knuckles
grasp jugs of beer
Hands waft waitresses’, between sips
and slurps of drinks
Shiny paper, flung to the floor: Crushed
under careless feet
Big orange lamp swings, it’s long
plaited chain rattles the glass
A sharp breeze climbs the stairs, enters the room
like an uninvited guest
Small glass ball rolls, indiscriminately -
drops and shatters
Paper grows soggy, a woman slips in pointed
sequined shoes
Outside a December winds gusts; the chip painted
window lock loosens
A man sways, his cracked hand reaches for the bell
A waitress trips, her foot catches the carpet
This is where we are in history - to think that the drinks
will continue to flow - the walls we have built will protect
us from our gluttony
A small glass ball shimmers proudly in the light -
drops and shatters - it’s plastic figures disregarded
and swept away.
By Belinda Johnston

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