Ephemeris

“I realise
That I prefer my men brown-bodied, borrowed
And tired. Well-wrung by the strains of Joburg”

- Lebohang ‘Nova’ Masango

***

The new man doesn’t promise the world
and neither do you ask for it, or anything
besides company for the harshest season.

Ask only that he stays to hold you captive
through the howling of your soul’s winter -
‘it’s a stretch but we’ll try once a week and
if your butter chicken is worth the drive…’

Start now, while the cold is still a rumour,
to circle your future predator. Tenderize
your meat, marinade it in garam masala,

cream and bay leaf. Pre-heat the oven &
call him before you put it all in the pot.

The new man doesn’t promise the world
but he will always come to watch it burn.