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Ritual

Dear Mr Lam

I take my vows inside / the malady of light

by Helen Quah

26th August 2026
Photo: Missohio Studio
Dear Mr Lam
Helen Quah
 

“I could act as a Trojan Horse that would spew forth hallucinatory figures with the power to surprise, to disturb the dreams of the explorers.” – Wifredo Lam
 

Slanted,
poised

I take my vows inside
the malady of light

promise to wed
this zonal country

of fibrous
jungle

where tradition
comes inflamed.

An itchy lover
turns in a cone

of blue.
O

observe
my little

symptom
an agitated

thought
flung from

tree to tree.
When I hoard

memories on the run
they multiply

see ‘em blush
seep out along

the greened seam
where you stitched

two dreams together
to make a hole.

Mr Lam you paint
the perfect stage!

A clutch of arms,
a blooming sugar

cage, crockpot of toes,
a healthy-looking blade.

 

© Helen Quah

Helen Quah

Helen Quah

Helen Quah is a British writer and doctor.

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