You slid a finger
down the inside
of your left arm
in imitation
of a knife blade.
Nurses passed by
back and forth
busy making beds
in the locked ward.
I sat on the sofa
looking at you
standing there.
Your slim finger
left a feint line
of pinkness.
The Scottish woman
stood by the doorway
smoking and moaning
about the Indian woman
who she said
stunk tha place
ta hell.
Music from the radio
pushed out pop
or DJ crap.
You walked past
the Scottish moaner
into the other part
of the ward.
I watched you
walk away
how the short
dressing gown
held you close.
You beckoned me
to follow
with a curved finger.
I stood up
and walked past
the Scottish woman.
Cannae ya smell
tha stinking betch?
She said.
I said no
although I had
but not wanting
to say.
She moaned on
but I walked away.
May 21, 2018
May 21, 2018 at 8:26 AM UTC
You slid a finger
down the inside
of your left arm
in imitation
of a knife blade.
Nurses passed by
back and forth
busy making beds
in the locked ward.
I sat on the sofa
looking at you
standing there.
Your slim finger
left a feint line
of pinkness.
The Scottish woman
stood by the doorway
smoking and moaning
about the Indian woman
who she said
stunk tha place
ta hell.
Music from the radio
pushed out pop
or DJ crap.
You walked past
the Scottish moaner
into the other part
of the ward.
I watched you
walk away
how the short
dressing gown
held you close.
You beckoned me
to follow
with a curved finger.
I stood up
and walked past
the Scottish woman.
Cannae ya smell
tha stinking betch?
She said.
I said no
although I had
but not wanting
to say.
She moaned on
but I walked away.
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