Christopher Barnes - Putting You Through Now, Caller

“Putting You Through Now, Caller.” (21)

“Squizzed at me, all pulled out.

A reality-crunch measure?

The earreach of a farewell gasp is roses in May.

Take it uncomplaining, headwaters will.”

“Okes, rabies-dancer,

Your cheque’s in the postbag.”

 ***

“Putting You Through Now, Caller.” (22)

“Dog-eared his tab, jiggled it into my shirt pocket.

Even the horizon cracked.

Mullarkey was woozy, beefy as a nun.

Intemperate kickback for one go.

I snooped enough?”

“Mistrust is gravity, honey.

A profitable chore boy’s defunct.”

 ***

“Putting You Through Now, Caller.” (23)

“Frankness ink-slung onto roadhouse paper.

I got churned by the tidings.

Skin-flickers also unveil in white.

Duplicate explanation? – the plaything’s oofy.

Bob for an invitation.”

“Knew she was in Blind Alley.

Who’s got the revolver?”

 ****

“Putting You Through Now, Caller.” (24)

“Sly-looking at the mere, Eileen was.

Valium owned her lullaby.

You’re a trigger-quick practitioner.

Hunched the Dodge was swiped –

Too gleamy for Big Al.”

“Don’t chop-chop elsewhere.

Witnesses might spare us.”

 ***

“Putting You Through Now, Caller.” (25)

“Repper’s mush corrugated with petulance.

Thought he was at end lengths.

Such a foozle.

Switchblade hasn’t been dug up.

Jimson weed reels in barley

But this isn’t a gala day.

Known him eons?”

“Shouldn’t be nudging anything.

Best be meek…outside.”