gorgon hour

she sleeps
her self is in abeyance
put the case down on the bed
and don't be scared
of all the cards undealt as yet
of all the secrets better kept

if i were you were could be
me
smeared by make-up
so bright the
vicious colour

wall to wall
this hotel's small
glimpsed only in extremity
a peripheral vision
could turn you to stone

in the gorgon hour
wearing seaweed for snakes
she would send you a postcard but
her bones they ache

wide awake and staring
in the gorgon hour
turning to stone
put your case down on the bed
and leave her alone.