1. the claim of perpetual secrecy there’s an enemy that lurks & plots & plans stay open to opportunities: outsource your personal life when prompted enter your 5-digit extension 2. begin by writing randomly for example, just say ‘John Doe’ guests with programmed keycards disrupt plots before they can even get started Kit Carson’s men burned the Navajo orchards the Colt 45 made all men equal 3. a new take on pride doesn’t back down we will pursue them aggressively gussying up country with Gautier signatures authentic Western heroes 4. what consumers want most fewer channels at lower prices curved shower rods are only part of it follow the prompts talk out your alternatives not drawn by the girly frills black beads on chiffon the cut & style of the line I like that in a man damn you smell good what is that perfume you’re wearing? DON’T THINK (TWICE) 1. don’t miss a thing a pair of jeans & everyone’s head turns not much hesitation 2 see the marketing potential remember the billboards ‘nothing gets between me’ & the classic American brands such is the nature of social democracy downright sexy in customised flares squeeze your knees together before helping others make sure 2 help yourself chin down to chest looks good feels great check the coppery washes unexposed to radiation genetically modified design details abreast of the changes in serious investments play with the cut red-line piping & definitely faces meltdown 2. well that’s all right the classic black dress remains untouchable best western 4 tony lopez some books you have to read right off no reservations various means of departure with flashing blue lights & high-visibility jackets protection of civil society slides into civil war shopkeepers shut their doors manhandled & handcuffed 200 suspect flights planned in detail over time no catering services provided some books come in get shelved keywords & search-engines appeal for unity & calm don’t know about insomnia pumping at near capacity with missiles & rocket-launchers the first to wear a wire to restore public confidence cut the television feed bag it & throw it no cost to the taxpayer. |
|
roberthampson is Professor of Modern Literature at
Royal Holloway, University of London. He has been actively involved in
poetry – as poet, editor, and critic – since the early seventies. His
selected poems, Assembled Fugitives,
was published by Stride in 2001.
His most recent publication is pentimento, published by pushtika,
2006.
