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Wednesday 21 November 2012

Play Blind - or Crossing the Sahara.

Now shut your eyes...
Screw 'em, I say! Tight
real tight
you see a sky with clouds and things
all very odd. Not like a sky at all.
So feel your way along the hedge
the fence
and feel where scratchy bits of twig poke through.
Back flat against it now.
No dodging out!
Arms out a bit
away from sides
palms facing back...

I get the Spring Road Busy Body in my ear.
I know her voice.
She says I've knocked the blossoms off.
(I'd like to knock her blossoms off!)
She doesn't like the way my eyes are shut!
Too bad. Can't open them.
Must keep them screeeewed up tight.
Says I'm being ruuuude!

You reach the end. It's open desert now.
Crossing the Sahara. 
This is where you want to cheat.
But not to peep.
Don't let the light get in your brain.

You're on your own out here.
Remember where things are?
The road. Parked cars. Lamp posts.
The square is booby-trapped with paving slabs
sticking up odd angles. Trip you up.

If you can do this well enough
for long enough
you go unblind --
see things you never saw before:
amazing black holes everywhere -
in sky and in Sahara sand...
army tanks perhaps on fire
huge gun turrets are turning in the sun...
beasts with fabulous great heads.

You're bumping into things.
Recycle bins. Food kettles. Cars
and clumps of nettles.
Ramp. Steps. The litter bin.

The pictures in your head keep changing.
Like a drug. Could be a trip
to set you in a spin.
............................................................
Just in case there might be any doubt, this is based on a game I saw the children playing round our way. Some of the comments are based on instructions given to younger children by the born leader of the group. (I wish to make it clear that I, personally, have never wanted to knock anybody's blossoms off!)

12 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

I shall not try this Dave - but it is an interesting idea - sounds a bit like my thoughts in the dark at night when I can't sleep.

Mary said...

I am feeling a bit dizzy from this trip. And in need of water after crossing the Sahara.

Ygraine said...

I'm just back from this strange trip with you in a dark alternative reality.
Yes, I was so inspired that I just HAD to try it for myself...
Never again.
I have a black eye from a close encounter with the door;
a stubbed toe from a tussle with a chair leg;
cacti thorns in the palms of my hands;
and an overactive imagination!!!
Highly entertaining read, Dave :)

Dave King said...

N.B.
Just in case there was ever any doubt, this is based on a game I saw the children playing round our way. Some of the comments are based on instructions given to the younger children by the born leader of the group. (I am adding this to the post - I wish to make it clear that I have never wanted to knock anybody's blossoms off!)

Brian Miller said...

quite surreal, but altering our perception can be that way just a bit...bumping into too many things though has given me a head ache...smiles...

Leovi said...

Fascinating, beautiful images you created within me.

Daydreamertoo said...

LOL LOL... I loved your last comment...never wanted to knock anyone's blossoms off... sounds rude. Haha Just my sense of humour.
This was such a fun read. Kids do have amazing imaginations, don't they.
Loved it!

Tommaso Gervasutti said...

Well, like Homer..the sight bbehind the sight, the vision behind the outside...fascinating.
The brisk rhythm heigthens its force.

Cloudia said...

you are the piper who leads us through imaginary landscapes



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A Cuban In London said...

Hahaha! I had to laugh at the blossoms bit. Believe me sometimes I've felt like knocking someone's blossoms off... And my target was a bloke. :-)

Loved this one. Really playful. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Dave King said...

The Weaver of Grass
No, I didn't try it either. Too long in the tooth, my dad would have said!

Mary
Ah, yes, it does get you that way.

Ygraine
Ouch! And who was it said art changes nothing!
Apologies and commiserations!

Brian
Yes, the conversations were surreal, which is what first drew my attention.

Leovi
Thank you.

Daydreamertoo
I think the kid who said it meant it rude!

Topmmaso
Like the analogy - like it very much. Thanks.

Cloudia
Wish I hadn't given up the violin! Thanks.

A cuban in London
So glad you liked the blossoms. My favourite bit!



hyperCRYPTICal said...

During my student (nursing) days - to understand a blind persons perspective we wandered around (outside) for five minutes - totally dependent on others for our safety.

The pictures you create, imagine in your mind are scary stuff.

Anna :o]