The NS Poem: The Mad

A new poem by Will Eaves.

Photo by Nigel Maudsley/Millennium Images

Answers are pat.
They do not reach the mad
At the end of long tables.
They do not even reveal
Who makes such ugly tables.
Today the whole street
Is full of knowing, but silent 
Like the inside of a mirror. 
The neighbourhood felines,
Released from window duty, 
Exchange frank looks that say 
Without saying all they might: 
If it’s answers you’re after,
Try better questions.

Will Eaves is the author of five novels, two books of poetry and, most recently, a pamphlet, “Exposed Staircase” (Rack Press)