In Love With The Short One

Sweezus, Arthur and Pablo are cycling to Brighton.

I look forward to seeing the Marilyn's, says Pablo. They are beautiful, in their white swimsuits.

Yeah, says Sweezus. I always thought women hated wearing white swimsuits.

Only when they get wet, says Pablo. For then there is the possibility to see through them.

They cycle down the Anzac Highway, each with a vision.

Pablo's vision is of the lovely Marilyn he hooked up with last year. He had written a poem for her, about cuttlefish. Perhaps he will meet her again.

Or perhaps another.

Sweezus's vision is of a white swimsuit. With Belle in it.

Arthur's vision is of himself sitting under the jetty composing a poem:

down the tunnel to nowhere
black shadows snake
on slapping green water
and crustaceans crackle
crackle crackle...
and nothing is done.

By now they have arrived at Brighton. The beach is dotted with multiple Marilyns, in white swimsuits, blonde wigs and red lipstick, some wrapped in towels.

Two of them spot the cyclists.

#1 Marilyn: Are they those cyclists?

#2 Marilyn: Yes! From the Tour Down Under. Let's say hello.

They approach them.

Pablo: My heart swells at the sight of such beautiful women.

#1 Marilyn: Thank you. We don't look like this normally.

#2 Marilyn: These are Marilyn wigs, and we've had our makeup done professionally.

Pablo: The effect is erotically disturbing. Have you been in the water?

(He can see that they haven't).

#1 and #2 Marilyns: No, we haven't.

Sweezus: Will you guys be racing?

#1 and #2 Marilyns: It's not a race, it's a fundraiser for Cancer Research.

Arthur: See you later. I'm heading off to the jetty.

#1 and #2 Marilyns: We might see you. We do a 400 metre paddle in rubber rings around the jetty.

Pablo: Perhaps we shall see you both after your paddle.

#1 and #2 Marilyns: Yes, maybe.

They head off for the start of their paddle.

Pablo: I'm in love with the short one. I hope you men are not in love with her too.

Sweezus: Not me bro. Ditto the other one. You, Arthur?

Arthur: No, not me.

The Marilyns paddle around the Brighton jetty. Splash splash. There are 270 of them.

#1 Marilyn: Look there's that cute blue eyed one, under the jetty. Yoo hoo!

But there is no answer from Arthur.

he's in the tunnel to nowhere
where black shadows snake
on slapping green water
and crustaceans crackle
crackle crackle...

and nothing is done.