Preparing for a Puppet Show
by and published in Edition Seven of Pomegranate
The curtain on Hunstanton Front
twitches like an eye, billows like a seagull.
The children chatter like teeth rehearsing lines last-minute.
Brush all the grit and the fluff off her blue floppy ears then insert your hand.
Feel her silken threaded nervous system unravel. Feel her
fiery stomach gasp in your fist, its half-digested steak-frites.
Taste the salt air on her tongue.
Before the curtains part, before
the squeals and cheers, move your hand up
and up and feel the gel of her eyes,
feel the control of the brain,
feel like Jehovah.
Matthew Gwynfryn Thomas
Matthew Gwynfryn Thomas was schooled finely, if finitely, in Essex and learnt to write in Hampshire. He has been published only once before (in Vocal Solo) and is very pleased to be here. He lives, works and naps in London.