Sad I Ams

By: Trevor Millum

STANZA 1

I am

the ringfrom an empty Cola can

the scrapingsfrom an unwashed porridge pan

Scrapings

Porridge

the severed armof last year’s Action Man.

Severed arm

STANZA 2

I am

the envelopeon which the gum is gone

Seal gum

the Sellotapewhere you can’t find the end

the toothless stapler, springless bulldog clip,

Bulldog clip

the dried-up liquid paper

that mars instead of mends

Mars Mend

The stamped addressed replythat you forgotto send.

STANZA 3

I am

the battery in which no charge is left

the starter motor which remains inert

Starter motor

the tyre on which the tread is worn

Worn tread

the sparking plug which shows no sign of spark

the carburettor choked by bits of dirt

the chromium trim from which the shine has gone

STANZA 4

I am

a gardenovergrown with weeds

a library bookthat no one ever reads

a straywhich no one thinks to feed

A stray cat

the piece of good advicewhich no one seems to need

The end