Jungle
(After L.S Lowry ‘Man Lying on Wall’)
by Shirley Cook
This bridge is a perfect pitch:
a lot of people on lunch breaks.
‘A hundred pounds for a quick mind fix.’
Prop your briefcase and brolly against
the wall. Lie down.
No, I’ve not yet had anyone
fall. Stretch out and relax.
Please put out that cigarette.
Now, how does that feel?
You wish you were in another painting?
Close your eyes. Let’s try visualisation.
You’re now reclining on Rousseau’s
velvet divan. Around you, foliage
in soothing shades of green.
Above, a round tropical moon.
Breathe deeply. You can smell car fumes?
Relax. Try again.
That’s more like it: There’s the sweet
scent of lotus flowers and exotic ferns.
Can you hear birds of paradise, soft trills of a flute?
We’ll ignore the lions and pink-bellied snake.
The church bell just chimed the hour.
Three, two, one, you’re awake.
Payment by credit card is fine.
I welcome all feedback.
You felt as though you were teetering
on the edge the whole time?
Don’t we all.