CONFIDE IN ME by KYLIE. Poem by Nathan Curnow.

A pen that looks like a feather, a feather that looks like a knife.
You’re on the staircase, Kylie, summoning a confessional poem.

But I’m tired now. Are you tired? I’ve already said so much,
writing lines year after year as you kept spinning around.

Take me back to Melbourne, 1986 – Nunawading, Surry Hills.
In the neighbouring suburb there’s a boy in love

at Middlefield Primary School. Kylie, your cousin Amanda
scrunched her nose whenever she giggled, a laugh so cute

I noticed every day – her eyes, her smile, her perm.
Now I don’t know what the problem is, if it matters who I am,

but I crushed on her as your star rose high
above the Channel Ten studios. What magic happened

down the road to launch your impossible reign
of light, love and disco grit? Our paragon. Our coming of age.

You’ve been hurt since then, and I have too.
What else can we become? Kids of the eastern suburbs,

That maze of cul-de-sacs. Kylie, you’re finally down here,
You’ve descended the poem’s stairs. Tell me a secret,

take my hand, rest your head on my shoulder. There.
I’m ready to keep things quiet, to carry what you need.

I’m the stranger you know. Release it. Lean in to being free.
A line that looks like a magic wand, a wand that looks like a mic.

The strings start up. The beat kicks in. Sing for me, you’re mine.
 

Stereo Story 846.

This poem was first published in Spinning Around: The Kylie Playlist (edited by Kirsten Krauth and Angela Savage, Fremantle Press, 2024). More details.

Nathan Curnow will be part of our concert at the Williamstown Literary Festival on Friday evening 20 June. The show includes songs by Sinead O’Connor, Julia Jacklin, Taylor Swift and more. Tickets are selling rather quickly. More details.

The festival is also presenting a separate event on Saturday evening 21 June, hosted by Angela Savage and featuring readings from Spinning Around: The Kylie Playlist, followed by a dance party.
 

Nathan, along with Stephanie Powell, is presenting the Poetry and Parenting workshop at the festival on Saturday 21 June, from 12 noon to 1pm.

Festival program.

Nathan Curnow