By JORDAN HAMEL
24 years old
University of Otago
Every year it’s the same
A swarm of wide open eyes
And recently straightened teeth.
The night is the most telling
Huffer caps,
Karen Walker rings,
New dresses
Too thin for a place where
It’s sunny 2 weeks a year.
Most will leave eventually,
Presumably having bettered themselves
Ready to
Take their place in the world.
But some will stay.
Driven mad by
An idea they couldn’t escape
Once the lecture ended.
They’ll form an understanding
With the city and its rhythms.
Trading the caps and dresses
For docs and trench coats.
Learning where to
Get free coffee
If you ask the barista
About their day
And who will serve them
On nights when
Everyone else
Has fled the scene.
Working for the local
Magazine or radio station
To make friends in strange places
And partially fund their
Creative pursuits.
And on moments like these
They’ll retreat to some dark corner
And sit in contemplation
Of our beloved, holy landfill.
This poem is part of the TEARAWAY Young Poets feature for National Poetry Day.
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