The Hostess
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
The drink’s flowing and the music’s loud.
There was cake earlier, but it’s all gone
and she’s feeling sick, overindulged.
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
Smoking must only be done outside
on the fire escape. And no stains
are to be trodden into the carpet.
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
The neighbours might even complain.
She knows she could have invited them.
But her list said they wouldn’t fit in.
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
Strict door policy. Personal invite only.
A fastidious dress code. Only the best.
She’d preened ‘til the mirror approved.
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
No beardy geeks reciting sci-fi scripts
in the kitchen. No sad little girls crying
in the bathroom. No awkward small-talk.
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
The original guest-list is pinned to the fridge.
a reminder. Every single name slashed out.
There was good reason for each slashing.
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
Mixing and shaking more careful cocktails
to the exact instructions of the library book.
Her nausea now passed, as all things do.
She’s hosting an exclusive party.
Music twisted up louder still. She stalks,
tall on her victorious heels, to the centre
of the empty room. No one can outshine.
Oh, this is BRILLIANT, Holly. That is the way to have a perfect party–invite no one. There is loneliness in perfection.
I reckon she’s held a few in her time and just about had enough! lol. Thanks Susan – glad you got what I’m on about here!
LOL, I can understand that, having had a few of the less than perfect parties myself
Oooh yes! When someone says to me these days “you should have a party!” I’m always, like, “no, YOU should have a party if you want one so much!” I’m such an old grump!
Yes. I am a good hostess–I have just never enjoyed hostess-ing…Know what I mean? I think you do–having read this poem
Yes, I hear you!
There can also be perfection in aloneness.
Yep – I agree Tricia. Sometimes it’s good to leave the world outside!
I think I shall host an exclusive party!
You certainly have the shoes for it…
Really liked the form of this, and the ending – perfect.
There’s a publication in Australia this poem would be perfect for, it’s titled Short and Twisted.
Short and Twisted? That sounds right up my street! I’ll check them out – thanks for the tip Tricia.
She seems to be happy enough with the arrangement!
Yes – I’m thinking that old saying “hell is other people”…
Well, parties don’t come more exclusive than that ☺
(I’d love to hear some of the “good” reasons for the slashings!)
Oooh, now that’s given me an idea for a whole other poem! “Slashing” is such a descriptive word…
Loving the use of repetition, and, of course, the slashing
Hopefully you can visualise her with her vicious slashing pen…!
Of course!
Absolutely brilliant Holly!
I love the line “She’d preened ’till the mirror approved”.
I don’t like having parties – why can’t everyone be perfect like me?!
I don’t know if you ever watched the series “Friends” but this could be Monica. In fact they could have made a great episode around this poem
Christine
Oh! I absolutely LOVE the Monica idea! You’re so right – she fits this perfectly.
Caught me at the end!
Oh gooood…
Oh I have those parties, and I love them ha ha (or do I?)
I almost wanted to put up a link to “It’s My Party And I’ll Cry If I Want To”, but really, she’s not crying at all!