PROSE POETRY by Christopher Barnes

from Newcastle, UK

DANGER MOUSE LAPS STOUT 

Smoke-disseminated taproom. Woebegone cobwebs 
overhang beams. Unnoticed he makes tracks, lurks in 
boscage shadows. Mauser poised for the Royal 
Toothpaste Squeezer, as he dawdles along lane. I.R.A. 
grasp nettle of parish-pumps.

 Image by DreamStudio

CUT-OUT TAMMY SWISHES CHEMISE 

Unhooking paper folds, backbone gristles. Onus instincts 
boilersuit, level-headed cap, matchlock at hip. Eyes vacant, 
she deducts finalized minute of legionnaire’s breath. 
Portugal’s Popular Forces esteem the quick change. 
 

 KATY KOPYCAT, A DOLL IN SPLASH-PROOF CHIFFON 

 Ruses entrée to union-buster’s house-warming. Heidsiek 
Monopole Brut titillates nose. Pale jazz floats uninfectious. 
Intrigue and censure lip to ear. From purse, the six-shooter’s  
not chichi. Mayhem – a pelt to Weather Underground’s get-away.