The Second Story of the Country House at Aegae  by Daniel Hinds

The Second Story of the Country House at Aegae

by Daniel Hinds

The Second Story of the Country House at Aegae

She is a siren.

A woman sings,
I shall call her Lorraine,
For now.
It is raining outside,
I suppose that is why I came
To the theatre.

A liquid,
Usually gold,
Poured in the grail.
We know what she can give us.
The Lady of the Lake,
Is the lake.
Why?
Because I say so,
And I am a Lord.
“And that is what Lords
Do to Ladies.”

Wooden Mountains in the sea, creaking rocks,
Curtains in the theatre, a face, red hanging locks,
And a ship; made of red velvet.

I took out my lorgnettes, as was my custom for stargazing.

I had to do it really.
I was tired of her,
Damp,
And Bluebeard
Did it.
Too.
For, that is not objectification;
For, that is how we love.

I notice the frame,
Of her portrait.
I bought that.
It’s made of gold
And would it be awfully bold,
To say so?

Genius is self-conscious,
And so too is love.
Sweet siren! Soprano! A snake hissing! Forked tongue, my trident!

Daniel Hinds was highly commended in the Young Adults category of the NCLA’s Water Poetry Competition 2012.

The NCLA Water Poetry Competition was judged by W.N. Herbert and John Burnside. The ceremony was held at Northern Stage on 23rd February 2012.

Photographs of the event can be viewed here.

NCLA Water Poetry Competition website.