Primary Colours
Sept 6 2008


Everything here is earth-tones
and variations on beige.
Or pastels,
muddled mongrel shades
with whimsical names
that mean nothing.

I’m dying for bold strokes
— deep, rich, primary colours
that clash with the furniture and picture frames.
An unambiguous statement,
so when you enter this room
you know exactly where I stand
— no straddling fences,
no evasion.

I’m fed-up
with half-truths
and lies of omission,
with namby-pamby excuses
and waffling admissions.
I need strong language, full spectrum;
even if it is hurtful
or wrong-headed.

A small room
in scarlet and purple
— like a fresh bruise
or bad music.
Then hot pink, girls only,
all Barbie dolls
and princess phones.
Then the dark green of jungle leaves,
lush and succulent.

And then the deepest purest blue,
which is healing, restful.
My simple plan
for a place of refuge.