Rutherglen
Having split, with patience,
my first pound note
I kept the two halves
in case of disbelief.
They gave me a glow.
But I was now wound up
tingling for conquest
and as I stared at them
I seized another note
washed my hands
examined my nails
took chair to table.
In best midday light
made one note two
removed metal strip
made two one again.
A happy hour!
So I kept the strip
recirculated the note
thought of whoever
would hold it to the light.
O the consequences!
O the delight!
from Dreams and Other Nightmares: New and Uncollected Poems 1954 – 2009
