Necromancy

My first open mic since the pandemic!
Video Still by Garry Cook

Yesterday I went to see the punk poet Laura Taylor at Market Street Social, in Preston. She performed some of her stunning work, including pieces from her new book “Speaking In Tongues.” I particularly enjoyed the more nuanced poems, such as “Senescence” and one about her childhood. There was an open mic before and after her performance, so I read my poem Necromancy. Thanks to Laura Taylor for giving poets a chance to share their work, and thanks to organiser, Garry Cook.

Necromancy

You send him urgent texts
but he no longer tolerates
your soup, solicitude
and homilies on fatherhood;
the man you wanted him to be 
is gone, another fills his shoes.

As above, so below -
reflect on this
then wield your will;
harness the stars
and your inner hell,
from its event horizon.

One night when you're in bed 
he'll rock up at your door 
with a girl half his age 
a wired grin and a lump of hash
he swears is an eighth,
asking for some extra cash.

He's left the engine running
and distorted bass
is waking half the street:
death has reworked your beloved.
Too late you recall the warning,
not to bring him back.


First published by Outlaw Poetry
and in Wish (Maytree Press).

https://www.ents24.com/preston-events/market-street-social/laura-taylor/6295584

https://outlawpoetry.com/tag/necromancy/

https://maytreepress.co.uk/2019/06/02/wish-katerina-neocleous/

https://lancashiretimes.co.uk/article/Review-Wish-by-Katerina-Neocleous