He’s on the only leather chair in the cafe,
one leg neatly crossed over the over.
The line in his trousers are sharp
like an origami fold and his jacket is as clean
as a new-starter’s email inbox. There’s a book
on his table with a name like, The Charming Offensive
and he’s telling someone on his Bluetooth headset
how working on Saturday may actually be good
for him – a chance to stay sober at the weekend.
His fingernails are as smooth as pebbles
untouched by a difficult tide. His belt
buckle is a polished smile, his briefcase is
the rib cage of a trusting intern, his coffee mug
a freshly acquired skull.

© Carl Burkitt 2023