To Stay Alive - Elizabeth Riddell

To stay alive
(I am reminded by one who is alive
and kicking against the pricks,
no pun intended)
I should speak to seven people every day.

I should also touch the round head of a cat,
rasp an orange skin, buy bread,
walk on grass,
write a postcard.
That's to stay alive.

Such endeavours should be chosen thoughtfully, he says.
Collecting pine cones in the park I must
observe the little hidden frontiers where the sedge
marches with water hyacinth
and study the sacred ibis, how it steps
carefully in the shadows.

To stay alive, he says, avoid monotony,
keep a diary, every night identify a star
(that's not monotonous?)
but above all speak to seven people
who will not confuse me.

Only the telephone will confuse me
when the wrong voice offers the right advice
I do not wish to hear.