Published in Overland Issue 208 Spring 2012 Main Posts The Tap Michelle Gaddes (for Anthony) Gently turned the tap; small boy awe and glee. A withered stick man smoking in his bed, Those long hostile fumes he did not foresee. The toddler, an insect, out of his head. Faucets were declaring outrage and war – The bug had left through a hole in the fence. Spume shot out oily all over the floor His little game did not make any sense. Giants followed, roaring, eyes of battle. And gas like sweat waving flags of death brutally crushed living lungs of the day. And scourge of threat on a waft of breath – then there came slap of skin, a red hot sound, the bug lay wingless on wet battleground. Michelle Gaddes Michelle Gaddes lives on the far south NSW coast. She participated in Australian Poetry’s ‘Cafe Poet’ program early 2012. Her poetry compilation, Pariah, is available from Ginninderra Press. More by Michelle Gaddes Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays First published in Overland Issue 228 11 November 202211 November 2022 Main Posts On the last day of Subscriberthon, our amazing online editor gives you one last (very good) reason to subscribe Editorial team What's in store for the last day of Subscriberthon? First published in Overland Issue 228 10 November 202210 November 2022 Main Posts On the second-last day of Subscriberthon, our favourite editor-duo give you reason #1002 to subscribe to Overland Editorial team What's in store for the second-last day of Subscriberthon?