A Mirror in a Skip

A ripple
in a swamp of debris, naked
from the moss. It peels
back the filth
that shades under pus-popped
balloons and streamers.

A cigarette swells
the midnight waters: a shattered
pack of six. A curtained fish swims
below, ensnared
by broken scissors.

An otter wails,
unaware, that its head is by itself.
Prowling weeds hold down
its feet, tangled
in a bin bag.

A fleece beside
the cardboard croaks, choking
on an apple. A broken monitor
reflects an image
of a predator. 

Dented cans
hide its pupils, and scones
crumble to bare its teeth.
A jaw like dented scaffold lies
atop its body,
stationary without its wheels.