Michael Farrell

Telephone, Kettle Affects

 

The telephone’s writing a play. ‘How do

you do?’ it begins. ‘G’day.’ Absurd, says

the face of the critic, whose been championing

the return of that mode. The telephone

purrs, apparently happiest when working. Its

colour, however, indicates the deepest shame.

The kettle is a metal model, needing fire to

come to life. Plastic models are calmer and

say milder things. This one doesn’t hurry

yet the climax is an event each time. People

come running, as to an awaited phone call.

The first has the face of a doctor: firm but

sympathetic, prescribing herself a hot drink. 

The scene is written into the play with a

twist: the kettle lights its own matches.






Michael Farrell lives in Melbourne. He coedited Out of the Box: Contemporary Australian Gay and Lesbian Poets (Puncher and Wattmann) with Jill Jones. His latest publications are open sesame (Giramondo) and enjambment sisters present (Black Rider).