A few friends in one night
old hippies
turned teachers
antique wheelers
and dealers
in aerosols
scaffold erectors
people back from long journeys
or breakdowns
listening to ancient records
by a man called John Lennon
long dead.

John sang our song
so I kissed you for three and a quarter minutes
from start to end of track
tongue right down the throat
in front of everyone.
Spontaneity,
like the old days
especially as I’d brushed my teeth.
and you smelled of lavender
and were wearing a clean Kaftan.

I think I was saying something
the way I suppose you do
at your wedding reception
for public perception
so they know
this is it
this is strong
this is a hit
this is long
this is fertile
this is receptive
this is the hot bit
that matters

I had received these friends in my house
but they didn’t receive me.
This crudely artisan expression
of my purest public love and lust
was perceived by our audience
with glances of deep mistrust
I was kicking up dense undisturbed dust
and you were
embarrassed.

We just dont do that any more
now we’re older.
Our receptions are colder.