Stephen House is an Australian poet, playwright and actor. He has won many awards and nominations. He’s received several international literature residencies from The Australia Council and an Asia-link India residency. His chapbook “real and unreal” was published by ICOE Press. He’s published often and performs his acclaimed monologues widely.
hopeful genius dirty collar
situation wonder claiming
biting pencil scratching guess
crossword puzzle giving answers
chewing gum tied back hair
fiddle greasy grey pot smoking
is anyone granting wish on hope
be it lost or found in this
pink-lipped mummies designer gym suits
platform sneakers outing granted
selfie shots gossip babble
murmur giggle text on phone
takeaway coffee gripping sipping
keeping fast step separate pacing
walk hard team power beauty temple
pouting flee delivers health
deal constructed business suits
let’s go hey mate cool in awesome
check out new porn up online
no lunch spot sit down here allowed
in shut down mode pull compensation
feel strange new life in whine
did you see gay dude look at you
paranoia sings fear gamble
and them dot tightly small group thrice
on well-mowed lawn hedge square
as kids run shouting cake shop gifting
wait birds squawk hopeful scrap
day party happen easy rules
social distance not held why
naught work no job or school
manipulation welfare scandal
and me alone same time day night
no change i still cruise wander
a swim they say no too cold bloke
gape smile back on chat concern
in plunge to sea remind my real
salvation claim i scribe own journey
pack my bag when restricting travel lifts
gain back my queer life amble
***
2 survival
woven angst strangle
intervene thought
relieving
grasp dragging suffocate
abnormal squirm
wallow
tread beat relentless
nil flicker
revival
exist sharp pain wrapping
clamp usual
becoming
breathe in healing question
is flee black
obtainable
light darkness twin opposite
rationale spelling
possible
rally slow rising
take step glimpsing
courage
recovery game muster
slide hopeful true
stronger
walk lone swim coastline
reflect silent gift
union
nurture preen calm trust
survival can will be
me