poetry pRO
Mandy Pannett
Ladders of Glass, CLP/Integral
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MEMBERS’ EVENTS
MEMBERS’ COMPS & CALLS May25: Frogmore Poetry Prize
see/hear: Listen to Dinah Livingstone reading her poem The Old Campaigner
I’m learning it all – acrobatics, clowning,
riding bareback and trapeze,
fire from a sleeve: my hand’s a wand.
I weave my life round dancing elephants
who spray the air while turning
their backs on the crowd;
lions who never put a foot wrong.
I’m taking their cue, I’ve seen
what people want.
Prancing ponies teach me steps:
pacing, adroitness, like my fellow-dancers
keeping their spot.
I’m walking the high-wire, making my mark
poised, balanced, don’t look away –
you are my gravity’s other edge.