Stepney 8.09am


from the ABC set The Places

Room scattered with the history,
that every days are made of.
Rotting food from days ago
stale curls of crisps.

Her body is a centrepiece,
its skin iced, diced, puffed
the blood needles
high five her sleep.

She been sold down a river,
for a damp crumpled fiver.
First scar to the breast
the breath of Patsy Cline.

Now a paramedic shouts.
'adrenaline!'
A screamed prayer
from this minister of life.

He knew this woman,
this ache long ago.

A gone, sad distanced sister,
now here in this shrinking world.
Slapping awake, carrying her
around this darkened room.

He can see her as a child,
the smiles,
scratched pop songs,
a birthday dress,
flecked with fish paste.

He locates a breath.
A pulse, shared rhythm.
The paramedic is no longer alone.

His sister begins to blow.

Discuss this piece in the abctales forum