Almanac Poetry: ‘Devil in the Southpaw’ – James Walton
Devil in the Southpaw
It was ambidexterity
a crime in the genes
which had the Brothers
Pull out the whole three feet
of Tasmanian Oak ruler
the yardstick of authority
Laid on thick as the rolling strap
God’s right hand in show until
when discovered fielding
left and right around the covers
either hand throwing down the wicket
A dispensation falling about
lasting to the game against Marcellin
when the honourable Bede complained
And forced to choose to bat right-handed
then switching stance to sweep
their demon leggie turning the ball
breaking off the seam or round
A lolly red tipped Fag in his lips
appealed against this swivelling approach
The tunic of umpires declaring
Ungentlemanly Conduct as the reason for dismissal
Teaching the agency of Satan
the truth in laws of binding faith
More from James Walton can be read Here.
More poetry from Almanac Poetry can be read HERE
If you would like to receive the Almanac Music and Poetry newsletter we will add you to the list. Please email us: [email protected]
To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au home page click HERE
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
About James Walton
James Walton is published in many anthologies, journals, and newspapers. He has been shortlisted for the ACU National Poetry Prize, the MPU International Poetry Prize, The James Tate Prize, and the Ada Cambridge Prize. Five collections of his poetry have been published. He was nominated for ‘The Best of the Net’ 2019, and was a Pushcart Prize 2021 nominee. He is a winner of the Raw Art Review Chapbook Prize. His fifth poetry collection, Snail Mail Cursive, was published by Ginninderra Press in January 2023. He now resides in Wonthaggi, Australia, in an Edwardian house which was once a small maternity hospital.
- Web |
- More Posts
Liked this, James. Well played.
Thanks Smokie – how to end a little career!ing, to a new direction.