(cover photograph direction: Ene Ochayi)
when the windows open, as lashes part
round and round turns the washing machine,
dusty dreams rinsed away from memory.
flickering on lens as dust interferes
focus loses signal, muscles reset
and ache pulses at edges of socket,
this morning messenger strides to temple
seeking an audience with controller
who registers each request in order,
orders to each worker or factory,
to increase production, break is over,
all is full steam ahead, and sleepyheads
are not tolerated, are brushed aside,
cobwebs plaguing eyes unacceptable,
orders are given, fingers must respond,
“Be gentle, seek not to scrape cornea,
pull back eyelid, dab at interlopers,”
that viscous thickening needs persuading,
all the ducts must get in a row today,
a strike is not to be tolerated,
these occupiers must leave labour line,
such protesters will only bring remorse,
and I will not be able to write verse.
