Delegates
Storm stuffed with snow
stomps the sky’s boots
through hallways, conventions.
Delegates register, scatter
to the four sides of the square,
to the Four Seasons.
A corner suite. Storm
thrums the windows. Each year
they re-enact the ritual:
her hands meshed in his hair,
his stubble chafing her thighs.
She arches on the wardrobe door.
Next morning, at the plenary,
they sit apart. Each time they vote
a secret warmth escapes their hands.
Credit note: “Delegates” was first published in my third poetry collection, Men Briefly Explained.
Tim says: I can’t remember why, but the idea of a couple who conduct a secret affair at an annual convention they both attend popped into my head, and this is the result. For some reason, the idea only works if the annual convention takes place in winter.
The Tuesday Poem: Keeps getting better.
This is a very clever little poem; the play between words such as 'conventions' and 'ritual', and the 's' sounds throughout. Smart and sensual, although that makes it sound like a patronising description of an actor (who happens to be female).Very cool Tim.
Thank you! I don't know about the actor needing to be female, though…\”Smart, sensual actor Arnold Schwarzenegger…\”
So much is told in so few words. Good poem, Tim.
Thank you, Harvey!