human endeavour

by Maisarah Kamal

i.
first, start by throwing salt into the sea.
sprinkle a pinch or
toss handful by handful.

salt to taste.
if it needs more,
add as required.

ii.
cry fat, wet tears.
soak the tablecloth.
let them run your cheeks.

mix well with the milk.
overflowing, spilling,
dripping down the edge of the table.

iii.
unfold picnic mat,
smooth it out,
make it flat.

rip open sugar packet,
miss Styrofoam cup.
watch black ants descend.

iv.
think about bread,
put hand in pocket,
rub thumb and forefinger.

pull out and
feel edge of five cent coin.
there is not enough,

place it back.

v.
glance at number on the sheet.
press slowly, unblinking.
black buttons, sinking.

six five eight five
one nine
eight six

listen to the dial tone,
say nothing, hang up and
repeat.

vi.
curl your fingers into claws,
when there is
an itch on your leg.

lower,
lower.
no, not there.

it isn’t there,
it isn’t there.
scratch your hand instead.

vii.
find a stable,
find a suitable stick,
find a dead horse

and
beat it, beat it, beat it
beat it till it neighs