Bjørn lays out a koldtbord of pickled herring
kaviar, meats, and cheese
Alison charms everyone with stories
of adventures on the train
an older gentleman certain she was Italian
handsome university students taking her photo
when they thought she was sleeping
a herd of reindeer she saw out the window
when you finally get her alone in your room
you can’t wait to tell her about your life
but just as you begin, she leans back on the sofa
just for a second
just to rest my eyes
you cover her with a blanket and sneak out
pulling the door behind you
the next day you show Alison everything
translate as you go
she oohs and aahs at the view from the school
praises the shawl you’re weaving on Elinor’s loom
you invite her to sit and take a turn
but she’s happy to just watch
you and Espen take her out to the club
with Margrethe and Vibeke
everyone else has beer, but Alison orders
Cinzano Bianco with a twist
you’re surprised when she bums a cigarette
even more surprised
when she starts making out on the dance floor
with a British guy who’s been buying her drinks
you drag her to the restroom