March 6 - Masquerade

She wears the mask of one

unconcerned, not knowing

how to say what must not

be said in case it becomes

real

and she will have to deal

with that life is not a fiction

or a poem

or a master chef's concoction

small, delectable

its taste and nutritional value

fiercely debated.

She will have to speak

to create a new program

from which to launch

the next instalment of a life

needing total protection.

March 5 - Market

"A demand for a particular commodity"

Imagine an alternative world
no demand
no exchange
no currency
no only option
no abuse
men satisfied without it
women free to ply
less desperate trade

March 4 - Mandate

Dining at the Patio Restaurant
staring down at the street
I note the crowd of youth -
the mandate to wear pink
canvas shoes, floral overalls,
to take photos of self
and friends while walking
Queen Street.
Skittish progress.
Laughter freed from classroom
constraints, Auckland foreign
enough despite the many
Japanese restaurants,
waiters and shopkeepers
to be unfettered.
This restaurant's outdoor
first floor eating area
trembles with each step
of those serving.
I read a book, enjoy my meal
not the only lone
middle-aged observer
of the young, obliged
to be unnoticeable.

March 3 - Malice

Not one speck of it in this apartment

at first glance.

Benign aspect, disconnected

in a purse-lipped way - at least

the tenth floor doesn't sway.

Its inner quiet disturbed only by

innocents cavorting in clean streets.

No bitter word, no cutting remarks

crack the glass windows, doors.

Yet 'room service' is cursory

and could be deemed 'fraud'.

March 2 - Magnum

They say it's a bottle
a one point five litre
thrill, champagne its
most excitable fill.

I scan supermarket fridges
find icecream's varieties 
of charm, reach out and
exercise my arm.

March 1 - Macaw

What would be the point

of singing sweetly

when your attraction

is obvious

at least to those of us

highly visual, who

map experience in colour

whether pastel, dark or lurid.

The verbalists take note
by being cued in to
tough times ahead
great demands
demented disdain.
 

Creating my own March Poem-1-Day challenge, warming up for April ... !