“CATALYST” – masked dance movement piece
Helgé Janssen/Gisele Stafford, Durban beachfront, 1984
Photograph: Peter Hart-Davies

what stands between this and that?
what stands between this and that?
what stands between this and that?

a look?
a glance?
a second fact?
a psychology?
an ideology?
a whim?
a schism?
a hollow dream?
a friend who intervenes?
a plissé
that would rather be
ironed out flat?

what stands between this and that?
what stands between this and that?
what stands between this and that?

a denial?
a pyre?
a burning sphere?
a time?
a place?
a thwarted mess?
a second guess?
a stall for time
that saves you grace?
a space between
a furtive glimpse?
a risk not worth taking?

what stands between this and that?
what stands between this and that?
what stands between this and that?

life as a rehearsal?
a chance to forget?
another escape?
the art of make-up?
a drowning of sorrows?
an always tomorrow?
a never yesterday?
somebody’s off day?
the centre lost?
the plot in recess?
just another day
without redress?

is this a life or just a mistake?
is this a life or just a mistake?
is this a life or just a mistake?

Thanks to Helgé for sharing this poem. Keep abreast of what this multi-talented and influential Durban artist has up his next immaculately designed sleeve HERE.