Official January

An office worker's January, real or imaginary.

Official January

Eyes open but will disengaged

Bumper to bumper shunting

feels like you've aged

five years in five hours

lunchtime over before it began

computer screen unblinking

if you wore mascara it would have ran

like you want to, away

from the tube lights, the surround of frowns

the swivel chair

asway

in the stagnant weight of the office day



To a space where air is unconditioned and fresh.

Wets your cheeks, whips your hair, and whispers in your ear,

that 'mice and blackberries have flesh',

and here begins a truly unofficial year.