Alison Smith

Medusa with Ouzo


Maybe the cloudy liquid will clear my mind
So that the next man I see stays warm in his flesh

Maybe I’ll dance mini-skirted in red shoes
So that no one will notice my eyes of ice

Maybe I will sunbathe topless, swim naked in the waves
So that the next man will not shield me from view

Maybe if I wait, sip this cocktail, look out to sea
These writhing snakes will fall off my head

And I’ll be sinuous, slippery as an eel.
Sliding through the fizzing foam
I’ll be home, languid and sated on hot stones.