Tag Archives: kae tempest

Duet and Gratitude

DUET

Sometimes, when we came together, you scream
like you are being born. I sing like I am dying.

My skin in the morning cool, my feet on
the boards, finding my slippers. Pushing open
the gate of the kettle, for warmth. You are
in bed with a smile on your sleeping mouth.

You play Arab music, French music,
Madagascan music that I’ve never heard
I play UK rappers, minimal techno,
Alice Coltrane. Your hair is tied up with
colourful cloth as you move from the hips
through the flat. We cook for eachother.
We dedicate days to our lovemaking
Any less than a full day and you look at me, hurt.

I maintain a full wave at my neighbours
But worry about what they hear through the walls –
Aware of how often we wake the night
and call out for each other

GRATITUDE

I have seen us
Sat together in the evening

Not saying much.
Listening to the fire.

Or laid out on the camping mat,
Your fingertips pulling

At strands of my hair.
Or dancing

To flamenco in the living room.
Well – you dancing.

Me awe-struck, clutching
Your hips.

Your name like a bird
Trying to burst out of my throat

da Running upon the wires,/Un arpeggio tra le corde, Kae Tempest, Edizioni e/o a cura di Riccardo Duranti