Tuesday, April 9, 2019

"The Cult of the Amateur" By George Anderson


George Anderson grew up in Montreal and migrated to Australia in his early 20s. He is long-term blogger at BOLD MONKEY. Recent or forthcoming chapbooks include Teaching My Computer Irony (Punk Chapbook Series Epic Rites Press), Shark in the Shallows (Analogue Submission Press) and Fuckwits & Angels (Holy & Intoxicated Publications). 

The Cult of the Amateur
 
They found him snoring
in the hazy light of the street lamp
wheezing in shallow gasps
his body bucking
in unrepentant sobs
his once translucent eyes 
like shreds of torn flesh
 
once. twice. she calls him.
a detached, unapologetic voice
the pale walls of the motel room dangling
what’s wrong pappy?
a small red circle 
illuminated on her dress
her shoulder blades protruding
under the lace
he wears a weariness
of purity despoiled
bloodied knuckles
 
what’s wrong pappy?
each word screaming inside him
the light burns his eyes
a deep red gash in the wooden door
 
the stout woman
pops the boot
& heaves in the sagging plastic bag
in retrospect, his head hangs pale
& wiry on the lounge
 
thru the slot in the wall
he sees the cause of everything:
 
Fidel’s agonised limp
the spurt of red on white
the hot-keyed status screen
blinking in ominous black

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