Real-life love

Deconstructing love

i.

The spoon fed storybook notion.

A bubble of soft-focus
soap opera,
satin skin, shining eyes
oil on the lens.

Gasps of undulating desire,
smouldering looks of passion;
'we are so in love' they say,
so in love and such
a perfect size 8.

Film my soap opera

actress.

Wax bubbles
on the duct-taped candle
in its holder
pragmatism
next to schmaltz

A sheen of sweat,
this is exercise
mirthful eyes
in sheer comedy
that the parts fit
loud groans,
queefs threaten belly laughter;

my body makes sure
I don't run away
with fairy-tale sentimentality.


ii.

Speak of love

When murmuring
sweet nothings

Realism muscles in

a frantic fanning
of the bed sheets,
distinct confirmation
you did indeed
have curry for dinner.

iii.

In Repose

lay your head on his chest
hear your name in his heart beat
move your cheek
from his itchy chest hair.

Hinerangi

Dedicated to the daughter of a dear friend of mine.

Hinerangi

i. brushed your
hair last night
after you
rescued
your kidnapped
brother

- out of the way
for your birthday

clever hine

ii. the thin strands
fine strands
of your hair
my hair
your mothers hair

slip

beneath the hair brush
catching occasionally
on minute tangles
travelled
piece by piece

by my fingers
my mother's fingers
your mother's fingers

iii. we plait

plait together
all the
strands
hands
lives
Hine


Note: Hine is a popular Maori girls name. It also translates (singular and plural) to girl.