In this episode of Australian Book Review's States of Poetry podcast, Ken Bolton reads 'Salute' which features in the 2016 South Australian anthology.

Salute

I wonder what happens
in Seb's kitchen, I see
him round the corner
into the room, sun shining, cat
ready for food, a grin
that is mixed of resignation
& amusement eyes alight
for the opportunity
each day brings. I always
liked the way he understood
things – things I've
never understood –
as an open secret, knowledge
with which he nudged me
forward. He faces, I guess,
a beach view, opens orange juice
or sets coffee up
hits the surf? He might. I
never did. In fact, Seb's
gaze said Hi, I'm me you're
you I know what I'm going to do
for the day, what about
you? amused at my life
– the comedy of error—
pleased that I managed it.
I'll put a record on, Seb, like
I always used to – today
one you'd recognise Velvet Underground
live 1969 or Coltrane's Giant Steps
but in the functional way you
would do – the necessary steps – fix
juice, move the cat off the chair, check
the surf. You?

Ken Bolton

'Salute' appears in States of Poetry - SA. You can learn more about States of Poetry and read the full anthologies here.

Read Ken Bolton's biography in 'States of Poetry - SA'