Interlunar Rendevous

Interlunar Rendevous 80 x 80 cm mixed media on canvas c/o Karin Goeppert

THE PERILS OF PLEASURE RELOADED

What does dürum mean, Mister Answer Man?

Well, Tiny Curious One, it means

a Turkish tortilla filled with thin slices of kebab,

onions, tomatoes, crisp lettuce, a garlic

herbal sauce, its trip south occasionally

facilitated by streams of cold beer. What’s

heartburn and garlic-scented breath measured

against such a delicious combo of ingredients?

It’s time to gather the right equipment and substances,

just me and a glass of some toxic brew, thoughts

not at all rigorous after a couple of bong hits, ears   

tuned-in to the correct channel as I make out

through static and buzz, not only an exquisite

piece by Portishead, but the sound of a young woman’s voice

muttering something but nothing I want to hear

while she fidgets and searches through her bag  

for a way out, answering my “where do you live?” with  

“exactly three hours from Louisiana,” and I have to admire

if grudgingly and with some regret and rising resentment

the way she indicates who knows we’ll see but I have my doubts

with a shoulder shrug, barely fighting back a yawn, hatching

the exit strategy I am fated to be a victim of.