The Long House

By T M Collins
Bucket of flowers on table, portrait of kafka on wall

By T M Collins

This poem was shortlisted for the Right Now Poetry Competition, judged by Maxine Beneba-Clarke, Amanda Anastasi and Benjamin Solah. Read the shortlist here.

One way in

one way out

try to leave.

 

Bach playing and

the 19 foot

table from Ceylon.

 

Kafkas portrait on

the wall and

dried flowers stuck

in a bucket.

 

A framed photo

of a handwritten

letter from a

Pol Pot refugee.

 

Arrived in rags

now a pharmacist,

a true refugee.

 

Incense burning in

every corner as

well as conversation.

 

T M Collins is a poet, fictionist and playwright. He has published seven books of poetry, the most recent being The Crooked Floor. He has received over 50 awards for his poetry, short stories and plays. He is currently editing his latest book of poetry titled Night and Fog.

 

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