Image: Unsplash, downloaded (https://unsplash.com/photos/EXbxNyCypWI) 29.05.2022.
Ho-Hum Ruts
(after Riot Days by Maria Alyokchina, Pussy Riot)
Crimson loaded-moment button.
She wangles key.
Fist-bumped door whimpers.
Ruckusing towards minimal ventilation,
Hereafter squanders identity.
Peripheral natives
Retreat into jackstraws.
I dress for cabaret.
Putin Hosannas
(after Riot Days by Maria Alyokchina, Pussy Riot)
Timebinding doesn't firm up inside
Lacking calendars.
A transpicuous-voiced everywoman
Is shut-off.
Blizzard roils through window,
Outfalling theology's carcassed heart.
Vaudeville music stirs.
RATIONED CIGARETTES
(after Riot Days by Maria Alyokhina, Pussy Riot)
Forever dwells in cell No. 210.
Sweetener – warm nightie with blossoms.
Milliseconds jostle.
Dawn exhales a coast.
I acquiesce into the obligatory.
Here’s a song and dance.
About the Author: In 1998 Christopher Barnes won a Northern Arts writers award. In July 2000 he read at Waterstones bookshop to promote the anthology 'Titles Are Bitches'. Christmas 2001 he debuted at Newcastle's famous Morden Tower doing a reading of poems. Each year he read for Proudwords lesbian and gay writing festival and partook in workshops. 2005 saw the publication of his collection LOVEBITES published by Chanticleer Press, 6/1 Jamaica Mews, Edinburgh.
