amongst wrestlers

Gorgeous George’s manager’s there, so’s Adrian. Adrian’s
Preening his fingernails at the camera, saying he’s going to
Cause you harm. In the ring. Big Daddy’s playing the straight man.
‘There’ is a hanger in West Croydon. An air extractor churns
Against the fifties roof, affecting sound quality. It’s the sort
Of place where giggling children might have trained to duck
And cover. Duck and cover. Teachers screaming. Stop playing
The fool. Imagine your bones are Halloween X-rays. Kenzo
Nagasaki sits on a crash mat, a knowing look ghosting his
Transexual lips. They’re all going to get it. In the ring.

A Peruvian serves pizza. An artist talks of the art deco
Bravura that was New York. Before it was neutralised by
Gamma rays. Chavez jokes about Dick Tracey, says
If the US invades, there’s no more oil for anyone. He
Muscles up like a wrestler in his tight T-shirts. Shares
Show pony instincts. War’s a vaudeville act. Waged with
An eye to the gallery. Pity the submarine commanders,
Skulking wraiths, with four options come the hour the atoms split:

1: Put yourself in the command of the US, (if it’s still there). 2:
Head for Australia. 3 Retaliate. 4 Use your own judgement.