Da Scales
by Jim Mainland, with image above by Peter Long
Wha’s du faert for?
Is du faert for someen?
Weel, hoo come it’s no registerin?
Is du laevin a thoom on it or somethin?
Anidder fower hunder da day.
Ta add ta da thoosans an thoosans.
I joost dunna understaand hoo du canna see it.
Da reckonin.
Midders, bairns.
Yun thing canna be for ony use, dan.
Awaa wi it!
Du might as weel tak yun scales
an lay dem ower dee een, wan at a time.
Press dem on, press dem doon.
Hoo does it feel? Is yun ony better?
Is dis hoo du wants it –
seein naethin
because dir naethin tae see?
The Scales
What are you frightened of?
Are you afraid of someone?
Well, how come it isn’t registering?
Are you leaving your thumb on it or something?
Another four hundred today.
To add to the thousands and thousands.
I just don’t understand how you can’t see it.
The reckoning.
Mothers, children.
That thing can’t be for any use then.
Away with it!
You might as well take those scales
and lay them over your eyes, one at a time.
Press them on, press them down.
How does it feel? Is that any better?
Is this how you want it –
seeing nothing
because there’s nothing to see?
