Sonia Boyce, 'Underground'
In: map. London: Institute of International Visual Arts, 1996, 1-10.
Sonia Boyce, from Distinguishing Marks
The shame of it guy.
Forgetting the distance between one step and another.
Tripping down the escalator. To ecstasy. Paranoia. Pain.
Faking longing. Reaching. Outstretched arms
of the law.
A victorious narrative disrupted by our presence.
Blunt instruments. Attack. Fire water. Anger.
Changing strategies. From actor to producer.
Could she master her own moods and movements.
Slowly rubbing. Drawing. Shape. Riding over the folds.
Take me. Rushing guilt. Faster.
Which way we going baby.
The doors opened. Victoria
station. Awake suddenly.
The crowds pushed and pulled their way in and out.
I am the enemy within.
They thought.
Simultaneously.
Police silence.
Not knowing. We repeat, the same pattern.
Cutting each other out. As other.
Aggressive. No noise. Smell. Perspiration and bowel
ensemble to Euston. Let's have an awayday.
Dreaming in glorious colour. Searching for shared routes.
Yet circuits disconnect and computers terminate along this
journey to
my friends. Notice the insensitive. Social insecurity. Secret
glances indirectly stolen. While travelling elusive.
Delusions grand.
Your wildest obsessions delight angels.
Turkish, Chinese, Indian, Latin American,
African, Carob and honey coated wholesome desire.
Designer doubt.
Something else off the therapy shelf. Consuming interest.
Spending time. Wasting money. Moving.
Highbury and Islington. Then on to the end of the line.