you rise and wipe that old
sleep out of your eyes she’ll be
having her first. You don’t realize
how much she hurts.

By the time
you look at your phone
she’ll be ******. The anguish is
unbearable to face alone.

By the time
you have your morning
shower she’ll be passed out on
the sofa. No one will be able to
rouse her. She’s pickled as the
herring you’ll have for lunch.

By the time
you read this -
she’ll be gone.
You’ll pick up the phone
but it will be too late.
Press speed-dial –

She’s no heart rate