all I need by Alex Murphy

more than just promise—you are John Simm 

realising his full potential, outperforming 

every great singer he resembles. so much so 

that as I lift your skirt in the kitchen, my head 

between your legs five years from now, I’m still 

thinking of John Simm’s now celebrated 

cover of ‘All I Need’, ringing truer than ever. 

there are fireworks outside to commemorate John 

Simm’s election victory, and we should be out

on the streets in triumph, but that can wait: 

John Simm has learnt the harmonica which 

I play now through your midriff from below, 

fireworks in the kitchen and you’re all I need. 

immolate our possible life, present the envelope 

containing a tiny sack of coal—you’re John 

Simm rendering everyone else obsolete, I’m 

John Simm relating to his own biopic soundtrack,

and you are John Simm cradling a mini John Simm. 

Am I enough for you baby, now that I’m him?

___________

Alex Murphy is a poet of Irish and Scottish heritage, living in London. He has recently performed at the European Poetry Festival, including events at the National Poetry Library and Nottingham Contemporary. His work is in the experimental lyric tradition.