‘Your Umbrella’ by student Heath Ramsay was workshopped in Poetry and Performance in 2020.
Sex in the city after film class
you weren't who you pretended to be
but I didn’t mind
you were cute and bashful
hungry and nervous
So many noodles!
I’m drowning in an ocean of Mi goreng logos
you take me by the hand and lead me to a bedroom that isn’t yours
then, glory of glories
you ask if you can take off my shoes
We jostle for position
the race is on
by crikey you are determined
but wait, just a moment
come closer and give me your face
Post coital glow and candour
horizontal rain pelting the windows
our own private carwash
a roving silhouette of raindrops dance across your torso
Well isn’t this nice
Bear hugs and chuckles in the hallway
a quick sting of sadness behind my eyes
we both notice we’re holding hands
a reluctant slow dance
towards your front door
You offered me so much more than your umbrella
but this tone-deaf fool politely discouraged your kindness
promises, promises
I’d like that, stay safe
one final kiss in the Kingdom of Noodles
It felt exquisite to be alive in our carwash
but now, a plague of if onlys
the Fail Whale stole you from me
My Noodle Prince
We are unbridgeable