A comi-tragic trilogy in free verse, dedicated to artists, art students and old rockers everywhere.

© Sara L. Russell, 13th May, 2003.

1. Indolent Friends

It's cool to like, sit on the grass
clustered in small groups
debating everything and nothing.
We are all-knowing, wise and beautiful.
How are you? I'm lovely, thank you.

Every cigarette is a roll-up,
we sprawl and pose
in clothes bought from
charity shops, co-ordinated
to make them seem more expensive.

Depression is a broken love affair,
remembered for a month,
forgotten with a new kiss.
Happiness is Smoke On The Water.
Even the girls play air guitar.

The future is irrelevant. We are immortal.
Maybe some plans should be made?
Why bother. There is no forever.
Only whatever.


2. Doyens And Dilettantes

Everyone loves exquisite art.
Few are prepared to pay for it.
After all, it's not a proper job.
They should be grateful to be so talented.

Great artists are everywhere.
Even Croydon has a latin quarter -
didn't you know, sweetheart?
They live exotic (yet modest) lives, these artists.

Seeing as I am your special friend,
you might like to custom-paint my car?
There's a beer or two in it. You'd love it.
Beats working in a supermarket.

I'm writing this book that will
one day be a movie. Maybe
you might like to do the cover?
Seeing as it's me?

Yes, I will display a painting or two
if you like, somewhere in the shop.
Sale or return. You make face value,
I make double. Take it or leave it.


3. The Renegade Wife

I'm not just any housewife.
I haven't changed since college.
My clothes are still black, my wrists
still jingle with trashy silver hoops.

I have a tattoo. Close your mouth,
love, I have. No, I won't say where.
My daughter's friends think I'm pretty cool
for a mother. Well, I am. Take it to the bridge.

Rock on. No, I never did start that New Earth
Co-operative Lesbian Craft Workshop.
Still working on it. No, I work in that mini-mart
down the road. Yes, I still go to clubs.

You always said there was no-one
quite like me. No, I didn't sell many
paintings. Too many people wanted
freebies. Damn! Another grey hair.

Remember Smoke On The Water?
Tangerine Dream? Joss-sticks?
We were so cool. No, don't say that...
We still are.

Aren't we?