– 168 –

Artefact Incognito

Sandstone or steel,
the gallery cannot display you.

It would need to
strengthen the floor

and reconfigure the ceiling.
Explain why you are no

tailor's dummy
or cinematic prop.

Clothe you.
Anticipate your sudden wish

to return to base
on a public holiday,

when the articulated lorry
and flashing lights

are not available.
Who cares?

You weren't wrenched
from a desert dune

for finger nibbling.
Try higher ground,

alpine flowers,
your head and shoulders

– 169 –

above the mist,
above the wind

blown macrocapa
and dutiful pine,

paws in the soil,
tawny limbs flexed,

magnificent chest mobile,
because every breath counts,

heart or no heart.