Joanna Gilman Hyde

The Tomato-coloured Couch 6:11pm

The Bugs Know

I was that Young Woman

out on The Most Visible Rooftop

in The World

–

The Bugs Know

I had Something to say

They, The Bugs

know why I wore White

to match The Giant Canvas

The Shroud

–

The Bugs Know

why I dressed

in colours to match

My Painting —

My Message

of Our Continuing Existence

seen from above

–

The Bugs Know

why It all went Black

when I signed My Name

in 3-foot-high letters

and pressed-leather heels

to attend a party

in My Honour

with My Hair hanging loose

and My Mother’s Crystals

around My Neck

–

The Bugs Know

why nearly Everyone there

felt uncomfortable

–

The Bugs Know

why I am here

to make The World uncomfortable

to make It itch

with The Paradigm Shift

We’re in —

The Shift from White

to Black

from Innocence

to Old Age

–

The Bugs Know

I Am Still Alive

to make The World See Itself

Commune