Buenos Aires does not exist

?

I have never boarded a steamship.

The closest I have been to Buenos Aires is an amazing steak

at the local. I sleep in the city that sleeps.

I leave tango to the professionals.

When I take a leap into the unknown

I plan ahead.

It may involve organizing a hygienic urinal service

There is too much flag waving, too many arms dealers

not enough crazy tourists. I refuse to enter Spring in war.

In response to Marcel Duchamp's ‘Farewell to Florine (Adieu à Florine)’ 1918.

See the artwork that inspired this poem in the flesh, along with more than 100 of Marcel Duchamp’s world-renowned pieces in ‘The Essential Duchamp’ exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 27 April – 11 August 2019.