Virtuality

The first games in virtuality
were dark, strange, violent

but the body plastic-wrapped
cells daily replenished

was not at risk. And
there were sunny games

where perfect specimens paired
and sex was much talked of.

There were games in space
and in the past, but increasingly

the games we liked best
were just like ordinary life

overweight, late for the job
only cigarette breaks make bearable

I’m not in love with the girl I’m dating
nor she me, we get along, there’s

someone to show up with
at parties; small wins matter.

@ianjmclachlan