Sport 5: Spring 1990
James Norcliffe — testimony of the rack
James Norcliffe
testimony of the rack
my wood is naturally black
heart hardwood with sharp
chamfered edges and a shiny
finish
my screws are long
threaded to a point and
neatly countersunk
my
spokes so beautifully
turned in wheels which
in turn turn beautifully
all creaks and green
groans long oiled out of me
I am so bloody real I
want to touch myself
as precise as an oriental
spirit house and (touch wood)
as well-preserved, respected
of course
my real purpose is to pull
at the extremities of these
fleshy pupas
to make some
sense out of their soft
and messy writhing
so what if I do sometimes
stretch the truth a little?
wouldn't you prefer
these brilliant butterflies?