#39. Nemine Contradicente.

The clerk writes it
before the hands go up.
Nemine contradicente.

By now it is a full member.
It takes the good seat, by the window.
It seconds itself.
It is re-elected unopposed,
as it must be,
declares no interest, having none,
and is, alone,
quorate.

My chair left with me that spring.
I walked off with my no
by mistake,
the way you take a teaspoon
from someone's kitchen.

The rector thanks the absence
for its candour.
The minute records that it spoke
warmly, at length.

Any other business: none.
The absence has kindly agreed
to chair.