Monday, March 25, 2013

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).

 

 

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