Parallels

The intervals between trains are shrinking,

streetlights shaking —

one or two blink out

with every repercussion.

Planes fly lower and lower,

guard dogs whimper, and

every so often

a seismograph flutters

as if to warn us

that the orbits are out of whack,

that waves rake the ocean floors

and the hairs on the backs of cats

stand on end

because something unparalleled

is about to happen.

Light a candle, stock the cupboard —

alarms and sirens

have cancelled the silence.

Pay no attention to screams or the jitters —

when someone bolts, everyone bolts.

Whatever you say, say nothing —

as a bystander

amongst the panic and the vomit,

do nothing and nothing will bend.

(published in Southerly, 2011)