Terence Rissetto is a young old man, and therefore a man of few contradictions. Growing up in Mangere, he became a violent hippie once he realised the difference. His full name means tender wise counsellor of the wild rose, which is often shortened to 'that prick'.
In pari delicto
I thought of you on Christmas Day
As I tore the white and braised flesh
Strangely reminiscent of sunbaking holidaymakers
from a chicken content in its own succulence.
My fingers became greasy and anointed with oil and other bodily fluids.
The cat, sleeping nearby, suddenly became animated and affectionate at the same time, cupboard love, as you would call it, but an air of shimmering expectancy
nonetheless.
I turned and wiped my hands on its soft cool fur, much as you would apply suntan lotion to an old friend.
Unexpectedly the cat tried to bite and claw at my hand, possibly because it was not used to such kindness.
It was at that moment, and I don't know why, that I thought of you.
