AT THE CINEMA

By Carmella de Keyser

I’m sitting in J3, in between J2 and J4.

Popcorn lines the aisle, spiky stones across the sea floor.

I’m stuck, committed, this is matrimony, nowhere to go.

Stomach swirling, the jigsaw puzzle once smooth has become unglued.

The pieces are everywhere.

The sounds are churning butter.

This is a cage full of hens and they are silently screaming.

The cup-holder sticky, grotesque, the cup and straw will be defiled as soon as they collide.

Two hours and it hasn’t yet begun.

Close eyes.

The stomach is crawling up into the chest.

It’s not working.

Just watch and go with the flow.

Everyone is relaxed.

You can be too.

I want to move,

I can’t disrupt J2 and J4.

The screen is speaking.

‘Get ready to feel more’-

I don’t think I can take anymore.

Exit -green.

Safety.

But far away.

Still in the dark.

Nice time, everyone is having a nice time.

Cough behind.

Too close.

Windowless room.

Tight high necked ribbed jumper.

This is nearly too much.

Smile - don’t ruin this for the others.

The wave is lowering.

Shuffle legs.

Dirty floor!

This is just a cramped cave.

Don’t be self-absorbed.

Think of the others.

Share snacks.

Make sure the others are having a good time.

More darkening.

It starts.

One hour and 50 minutes to go…

#darkpoetsclub