Alexander de Cadenet
Afterbirth Poems and Inversions
PalmArtPress Berlin
Little Mouse February 20, 2013
Little mouse who emerges when it’s quiet: I spot you as I sit motionless on the sofa. Sometimes I see you within arms reach As you scurry across the pitched pine floorboards. You are my only companion In the flat And I’m grateful for your presence; You lived here through the construction And this is your home too. You even survived the renters: Those aloof sons and daughters Of a peer of the realm Who’s mother insulted me When she said “You do have quite a reputation”. They put poison out to get you But you were too smart for that Thank God And you survived until I returned My little friend.
32
I wonder if you know I like you That I want you here To keep me company?
33
34
Waiting to See my Daughter November 10, 2013
As I await your arrival In the secret garden Eating my Lucky Charms And reading Osho The sun is creeping round The side of the house. The water fountain A gentle meditation, A moment thought of in the past As it would be in the future Is about to arrive‌
35
36
December 11 December 11, 2013
A cozy, reassuring fog Floats through Old Chelsea Wrapping itself in and around the buildings, Settling on cars, lamp-posts, the sidewalks and stone pavements. Inside my flat (Overlooking Lordship Place) Once again Latter stages of a two-day cold; So much to do before leaving To the Sun, warmth, openness, Away from my troubles and pain. Mind fuzzy, not too conscious, Under the weight of Finance The artist’s yoke, The burden of Freedom, Can I still call it that? As long as I can still write, However pointless, My cynicism such a bore (For myself as much as readers). 37