The Betrayed Town and Other Poems

The Betrayed Town

11 Changing My cushioned chair stands by my desk It is made of wood And has four legs. If I were to curl my legs I could put them through a bridge High above the floor. But , I would have to sit front to back I refuse to try as I read And anyway, what’s the use of changing! December 5, 1976 The Betrayed Town Like bees boozing over honey making So does the seashore hum with life With the town quiet in the background But for the early morning call Of the one barefooted little girl Carrying a tray on her head Summoning you from the regions of Orpheus – Fine, fine akara di go! F Fine, fine agidi di go! You turn over and mutter in sleep To show your clock you can beat it Settle down for another doze and snore And dream of the little town With its big shops, magical names and wide streets Where people were always so friendly -You smile in your sleep 12 Start running to the harbor And the new ship, the new ship always in the offing Disappears with the buzz of bitter alarm! Ottawa, 1976, 1980 The Tunnel Walking through the tunnels On our way to supper I danced and hopped. You started to comment -Only what you did was read Cock-sucker --The writing on the wall -First shock. Then quiet. It had this soothing effect The two words flow and infuse And you must listen hard for that tautness The tension it produces and embraces And then be startled off your feet The next moment by an explosion! Carleton University, 1976 ...