Heat

 

In these heat days

when the sun displays a fiery godhead

and ordains the liquefaction of Tarmac

 

and the deadest of nights bring a crackle of crickets

and all the bedrooms burn in airless struggle

 

to turn the pillow then and face its coolness

is like the ocean’s hand upon your cheek

and is the sweetest saviour after love.

 

 

Jody Porter is poetry editor of The Morning Star. His work has appeared in Magma, Best British Poetry (Salt) and elsewhere. Originally from Essex, he now lives in London and runs events at the Stoke Newington Literary Festival.