stars in his sleeves

Frank Prem

we only saw something
when his sleeve
rode up from his wrist
just a little higher

 

that's where
the skin on his hand
turned into black-ink night
with stars here and there
that twinkled
like a throw of glitter

 

when he saw we were watching
he went a little bit red
made a cough
and a movement
that ended with him tugging
that sleeve down
a little lower

 

he smiled at the corner
of his mouth
sort of wry as though to say

 

you caught me out
so I best be going

 

and he was gone
almost before we noticed

 

I really don't remember
exactly how  he looked
I can't visualise the cut
or how long his hair was

 

but I recall the way
he wore the stars on his arm
on the night
when the sleeve of his shirt rode
just a little bit higher

 

~

  • Author: Frank Prem (Offline Offline)
  • Published: November 4th, 2017 02:37
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 22
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Comments3

  • orchidee

    Good write Frank.

    • Frank Prem

      Thanks O. Glad you enjoyed. We could all do with something sparkly up our sleeves.

    • Accidental Poet

      He was embarrassed by the tattoo on his wrist? Odd, but a great poem Frank.

      • Frank Prem

        Hadn't actually thought about tats, AP. I was aiming for actual stars.

        Cheers.

        • Accidental Poet

          oh, ok. Even better.

        • Louis Gibbs

          Sounds like you outed a star person disguised as a human. Lot of them around these strange days. Enjoyable poem, Frank!

          • Frank Prem

            Exactly so, Louis. Thank you.



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