The adverts have finished in the cinema
and the trailers have started.
Skin on strangers’ spines tightens in fear
as conversations quieten but do not stop.
The words What if they never stop
and I’m the one who has to ask them to stop
crawl slowly up soft drink straws.
The trailers have finished and the film has started.
Skeletons under strangers’ muscles melt
as conversations quieten but do not stop.
The realisation they will not enjoy the film
sticks in their teeth like popcorn kernels.
If you don’t shut up I will scream for one hour
says an anti-hero holding pick and mix.
Conversations stop. Bum cheeks on strangers’
bodies clap. Quietly.

Carl Burkitt 2024