Small Ads
after Valeria Ferraro
Punctilious sophisticated gent could
love you if required, available now, caring,
chestnut hair call-it-blonde, undamaged,
bright, no timewasters, no fly-by-nights . . .
Forty-something single mother, all but
roofless, decent inside, nearly
stripped bare, lump in throat, seeks work
anywhere any terms, nights, early mornings . . .
ship’s cabin-boy, blackberry-picker.
Entire lock-up mixed paints must sell . . .
Opportunity for opportunist, going concern,
cafe with awning, umbrellas nearly-new,
phosphorescent fishtank. Will pay anything
for encyclopaedia of own life, appendix
included, updates. Disillusioned solo
adolescent seeks luminous balcony
to rent, view to die for . . . Bravura
bassist recruiting like-minded keen
insomniacs, well established, rarely
at a loss, intermittent ague, pervasive
hangover. Punctilious sophisticated lady
will love you with unquenchable desire,
dedication, total commitment, dark hair,
blue eyes, nearly new, awaits your future,
no time-wasters, night-fliers if only . . .