a territorial imperative By Amy Shelver

stamp. stamp. stamp.
i am territorial about things.
space. space. space.
none for the human race.
o. c. d.
oh! l. c. d.
what do you know about me?

i live in futon town.
wanna come round?
climb to the precipice
hang on the cliff face
of my tongue.
oop-see.

didn’t i moan through my lungs?
didn’t you have a good time?

i am territorial about things.
pieces. pieces. pieces.
fearsome rampages.
freak. mild. freak. mild.
time to unwrap
do you like what’s on the inside?

a turning wheel…
another schpiel.
pink. red.
heavy as lead. my unmade bed.
surely, you have read?

i am territorial about things.
your movement puppet
is an expression
of the freedom i desire.
time to call in the big guns.
cock a leg.
piss on territory.

'Sticks 'n Stars' artwork by Beth Diane Armstrong
Artwork: Sticks ’n Stars (2014) | Beth Diane Armstrong | Stainless steel, 240cm x 170cm x 50cm | Private Collection, UK | Not for sale
'Sticks 'n Stars' artwork by Beth Diane Armstrong
'Behind every beautiful thing' artwork by Richardt Strydom
Artwork: Behind every beautiful thing there's some kind of pain (2019) | Richardt Strydom | Typesetting on digital photograph of earthenware ceramic vessel with dimensions 22.8cm x 15.4cm x 1cm. Image courtesy of the artist. l Not for sale
'Behind every beautiful thing' artwork by Richardt Strydom
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