WHAT STARS SEE

WHAT STARS SEE

Currently, my chief occupation is thought,

Almost to the exclusion of reading. So, in this

House of books, I am writing, as if from an

Entirely separate space. There is clearly a need

To construct, now that the future seems emptied,

And I do not know when work claims me.

It could be next week, or, next year. There’s no trace.

Or, no year at all, as consumed by thought,

All is questioned. What I believed I enjoyed is now

Challenged, as others survival strains call for change.

And so, I sit inside this strange day, as even Politics

Pales before me. Now that we know of the errors,

And of the secrets, too, truth’s a maze. The new

Semblance of self-part persuades that we all

Can continue, as both the mask and marked distance

Becomes a fashion, or, trend that’s worn loose.

People always customize pain in the hope

That such decoration distracts them. And yet,

They do not see that to suffer is to diminish of course

And reduce, beyond care to the core, which is a strand

Of DNA long corrupted; a brace of pips, like pearls

Poisoned, that not even the lowest of clams could

Produce. And so, I do not know what to do, or if I did,

Where to do it. Though, this could of course be my

Moment if I could muster and go and feel free.

But now, the world appears closed, so I must birth

A chrysalis on my carpet. Knock on my door:

Floors will water. There’ll be a smell and some smoke.

Plants may bleed. And then attempt growth,

But it’s the reclamation of roots I now cling to.

It will be through their patterns that I will charter

And find my release. You will know that our thoughts

Harvest us, so the field is formed through

M thinking. Walk out today, you may find me.

Or read each dreams evening and try to understand

What stars see.

David Erdos August 3rd 2020

For more poems from David Erdos visit The Corona Diaries collection 

David Erdos is an actor, writer, director with over 300 professional credits. He is a published poet, playwright, essayist and illustrator. He has lectured on all disciplines in theatre and film for leading performing arts colleges, schools and universities around the world. His books include EASY VERSES FOR DIFFICULT TIMES, THE SCAR ON THE CLOUD, OIL ON SILVER, NEWS FROM MARS, CHANGING PLACES WITH LIGHT (penniless press) and BYZANTIUM with the photographer Max Reeves. He is a contributing editor for The International Times and maker of documentaries all over the world. David’s work has been acclaimed by many leading figures including Harold Pinter, Heathcote Williams, Alan Moore, Andrew Kotting, Chris Petit and Iain Sinclair in whose recent book THE LAST LONDON, David features. He can be reached at David.erdos@sky.com.

David Erdos

©    David Erdos has asserted his moral rights as author of his work and has full copyright.