Camera Shy

Here's me in 1981

Squinting into a sinking sun

Ankle-deep in the Pacific

In the foreground are my friends

Grinning madly at the lens

They look heliolithic



Again in 1993

A Polaroid you took of me

In a long-forgotten loungeroom

A hand outstretched before my face

The nervous smile, the downcast gaze

I didn't know myself around you



You seem surprised

And I see why:

You just realised I'm camera shy



So if it's not too much to ask

Let's just let the moment pass

I have no wish to be reminded

Of just how awkward I can be

Please don't point that thing at me

Your eyes are widening behind it



You seem surprised

And I see why:

You just realised I'm camera shy