The Write Stuff
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Lionel Abrahams

The Write Stuff vol. 6

AFTER WYATT AFTER 11 9 ‘01


(They flee from me that sometime did me seek
- Sir Thomas Wyatt)

I flee from some whom sometime I sought out
for honest kind opinions: ‘Tell - do you like this?’
These trustees’ approval I have drunk like milk
to fortify my unproved notions’ bones;
their contrasting praises have supplied
my groping inspirations’ vitamins.

I’d now avoid their eyes and voices.

War’s ejaculation having mashed to dust
machines and walls and flesh, injects cement
into divergent certainties.
The knowing now all know
what knowledge will improve their faiths.

Discovered hesitant between, I would be crushed.

I grow surreptitious,
hide away my thoughts,
in case dear confidants, now fired
with passionate convictions,
find me out - the insult of my questioning,
the chill treachery inherent in my doubt.

 

© Lionel Abrahams

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Home | Site index | Links | About submissions | v.1 1995 Book reviews; Interviews with writers | v..2 2000 Eric Beach; | v.3 2001 Anne Kellas | v.4 2001 Another Country:Tasmanian writers conference; | v.5 2002 Stephen Oliver | v.6 2003 Lionel Abrahams | v.7 2003 Showcase of Tasmanian poetry | v.8 A miscellany of voices