Killer Zombie

Sitting in a café drinking coffee (what else?)
The sulphuric lemon water with it
Reminds me I am far away from home -

And when the workmen come asleep on their feet
Carrying trays of pears and blood oranges
I suspect that all men are really homesick

I push the coffee beyond the borders of the table
The waitress says, “You should drink a rum/tequila Killer Zombie
Take the edge off the day.”

She’s right

I ask her name
‘Minerva’ she says
‘I’ve heard that name before,’ I say
‘It’s a myth,’ she smiles

And at the same time comes
A venomous call from the kitchen
A man in shades and sweating
His flesh rotten
Stands in the doorway ordering
Minerva back to work


London, September 2005