Mark for Perseverance

Marks for Perseverance

Exiled to a lonely corner, wanting more than letting on

something is wrong with the state of myself,

love as transaction, flowing freely of course

being silently watched, no effort at a smile.

Making the world go round, insolent situation

cutting hands and feet to ribbons in protest,

I don’t care about you anymore, if I ever did

rolling one’s own jelly babies not really my problem.

Serial butterflies galvanise the rotten core,

protected in instances of eventual delivery

home-grown opportunity not a mortal sin

just the run of the day, everything is special.

Principles aside, nothing at a loss.

Breaking through ranks, ass being grass

and me being the lawnmower, catch you out

mutual benefit never hurt anybody.

Instant messages, never mind the duress

the tawdry ambition ascending for the kill

bleeping phones on a constant adventures

transmitting turn-ons, a glorious guilt.

Streetscape for want of a better life,

the passer-by muscles by a hearty congratulations

knowing less than required, plugged-in cartoons

advertising psychosis hidden in a purpose.

Patricia Walsh

Patricia Walsh was born and raised in the parish of Mourneabbey, Co Cork.  Her first collection of poetry titled Continuity Errors was published in 2010, and a novel titled the Quest for Lost Éire, in 2014.  Her poetry has been published in Southword; seeNarrator International; Third Point Press, Revival Journal; Seventh Quarry; Hesterglock Press; The Quarryman; Unlikely Stories; and Otherwise Engaged.  A further collection of poetry, titled Outstanding Balance, is scheduled for publication in August of 2020. She was the featured poet in the inaugural edition of Fishbowl Magazine and is a regular attendee at the O Bheal poetry night in Cork city