Robyn Lance: Two Poems

The Choosing

Men in overalls on ladders

balance brushes and tins,

wear sunnies to cut roof glare

once we choose what goes where

but paint charts cover the table,

sample strips and squares,

with names that label every hue.

Our decision’s overdue.

Black’s no longer eponymous.

It’s Trendy and Klavier,

Leadman, Ace of Spades,

Rhino Hide and other shades.

Heavy Metal works for gates

and railings at the steps but

what does black, at length, become

when half or quarter strength?

The federation finials,

curlicues and spindles

need colours in the end

that contrast or subtly blend.

And so to offset black,

Dove Wing, Beige Drop,

White Swan, Dream Cream

or Quirky tones between.

Haloumi’s too yellow,

Snow Goose too blue,

Sealord’s too grey,

Free Love too … latte?

We say no to Hog Bristle,

eye off Oyster Pearl,

consider Ostrich Feather,

baulk at Parchment Leather,

Chalkstone, Harp String,

Fur Seal, Princess Bling,

Barrister White, Dying Flame.

Who creates these names?

To narrow down the final three

Soft Suggestion and Male Half

seem worth a sample pot

but Olive Drab or Self-Destruct?

Absolute-ly not.

Robyn Lance

This, too, will pass

The day before

I tasted raw dread

of what lay ahead

but today, I’m alive

on the other side

in yesterday’s tomorrow.

Robyn Lance