Greyhound
In the thin rain, the theatrical frame of a greyhound; a slip of grey felt shrug on the weathering ribs, emblazoned with a voluminous pale pink shiver of ballerina. Was it you who tied these shimmering loops on the back of this withering beast, beset with a neater twist than neat becomes ? You, beak-faced, in that turtle-tail raincoat, absorbed in the black-through-wet-path, the tender rhythm of the mottled haunches, the close wash of tyres against the small ears, the sticklet-thin-to-knee-to clip-nail on the paving. Animal heart beating.
*Poem by Helen Pletts whose two collections, Bottle bank and For the chiding dove, are both published by YWO/Legend Press (supported by The Arts Council) and available on Amazon. ‘Bottle bank’ was longlisted for The Bridport Poetry Prize 2006, under Helen’s maiden name of Bannister. You are welcome to visit www.stem-of-quietly-disarrayed-fertility.com.
*Image by Romit Berger who says “I am a graphic designer. I met my very dear friend, Helen Pletts, in Prague, several years ago. Helen’s inspiration has led my graphic design career into that magical realm which combines illustration and poetry, and our creative wings continue to connect our souls through time and distance.”