Published May 15th, 2025
Shakespeare's Pen: Asia and Oceania Contest – First Place
by A.C. Perri
My favourite haunt, lavish in design –
the exterior like me, abrupt, the interior, exquisite –
delectable products on offer.
The structure, ancient, reluctant – silence for a partner,
haphazardly sandwiched – to the left, an emporium, a sensory garden,
its centre-piece grows
green with envy, hoping...
craves silence, gets children instead,
people besotted in private reflections
hoping for children, in return getting silence.
My reflection, captured in glass – honeyed goods, my Achilles –
watching, disgusted, winged insects outnumber high-paying patrons,
exploring, Armstrong and Buzz style – first steps upon freshly baked treats,
one small step... footprints immortalised –
flaky terrains for trophies, drunk with excitement, sugar the culprit,
buzzing away potential buyers... not me!
Notions stuck steadfastly on white-capped, sticky, pastry mountains –
Mount Everest – Ed and Norgay would be proud, live on...
my mind rewinding, playing memories... black and white scenes
birthdays, New Year's Eve celebrations – bloated stomachs trending –
dare myself... another, and another... my mouth in delirium, ecstasy...
spend all of Sunday on a treadmill, facing my favourite Patisserie, dreaming...
About the Poet
A.C. Perri resides in Manor Lakes, Victoria, Australia.
Read the poet's biography on A.C. Perri's Artist Page.
This poem is the winner of the first Shakespeare's Pen: Asia and Oceania Contest, hosted by South Africa Poetry Magazine.
Read all the winning poems in the Legends of Shakespeare's Pen 2025.
Previously published in India Poetry Magazine:
Entering Jangaon
by Mohul Bhowmick
India Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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