An industrial area across the river during the afternoon break. Licking a milk-flavoured Popsicle at a candy shop, I can smell the melting rubber soles of sandals that expose my sun burnt toes.

In a vacant bush where the housing exhibition was held. Jaguar is chasing a road mirage with butter fudge in its mouth. Smoke rises from tyres spinning at high speed.

In the crumbly, brittle texture of fudge. Rum-and-raisins glow black in the sun, waiting for their opportunities.

If it’s Popsicle, it’s possible. A cliched phrase passes with the seasons.

Desires do not go as I want. So, just the usual Tuesday. At least until my piano practice is over.

…

hiromi suzuki is a poet, fiction writer and artist living in Tokyo, Japan. She is the author of Ms. cried – 77 poems by hiromi suzuki (Kisaragi Publishing, 2013), logbook (Hesterglock Press, 2018), INVISIBLE SCENERY (Low Frequency Press, 2018), Andante (AngelHousePress, 2019), Found Words from Olivetti (Simulacrum Press, 2020), Ephemera (Colossive Press, 2021). Double solo exhibition with Francesco Thérès visual HAIKU | OLIVETTI poems was held in Rome, 9 ～30 September 2021.

Note: Rubber Tuesday is a part of the first poetry collection Ms. cried – 77 poems by hiromi suzuki (kisaragi publishing, 2013 ISBN978-4-901850-42-1). The poem written in Japanese have been translated by hiromi suzuki, 2022.