It's Still Life

Once Is Enough, Quite Frankly

I can’t recall who, but someone told me once (because once was enough, quite frankly) “The only thing that’ll happen if you stand in the shower holding a bar of soap is the soap will melt.” It was probably my mother. She bubbled over with things you only wanted to hear once. And being her daughter, I’m bubbling over as well.

And as far as I can tell,
it happens like this.

First to arrive is a man
carrying a doctor’s kit.
Then the ambulance
with its urgent lights.
Later the priest arrives.

The neighbours don’t know
who’s ill. Or who’s dead.
They’ll let gossip do the
rounds. Fill in the details.
None dare ask – keeping

themselves to themselves
until they’ve sturdied
themselves to look in on
their own mortality, and
walk a bit in your shoes.

Written for #FOWC: the word is kit and Miz Quickly’s “More Advice“. Shared with @Experimentsinfc #APoemADay on Twitter   ©Misky 2021