NOTHING
IT’S EITHER NOTHING OR IT’S CANCER
said little Dr. Meffe moustache moving up+down up+down
And what will you do if I scream? I’ll stop I don’t want to
torture you said she Pre-biopsy frown Moustache now turned
down She promises to return in five In three screams ring out
from the room next door Chin up Did I mention it’s Spring?
Today small white petals dot the reflecting pool Godly debris
As I contemplate my reprieve wishing they’d all been as lucky as me
But there is only enough luck to fill the mote in the eye of the Lord
Moustache inscrutable slash as I exit leaving a trail of blood +tears
Long years ago at a pristine 23 I was a Parole Officer with tanned legs
from country club weekends with new husband You really think you’re
helping these people? fellow Officer Carl said with a sneerleer Meet one
of my flock a young parolee also 23 she who reeked of feces decaying
body cavities +rotting food? Another form of God’s debris?
Her favourite phrase: I don’t give 2 shits +a holler lady Followed by pearls
before the swine: You belong in a field running free not cooped up in this hellhole
with me That day her pants fell to the floor as she made kicking motions in my
direction Wash me in the water tanned Parole lady! she screamed
For some moments we sat cheek to jowl as I sewed a button onto her waistband
holding back gags +rich girl shame +mercy she didn’t want I don’t give 2 shits
+ a holler she reminded me Rotting teeth now parting Spit raining down on me
Who you calling FREE? I bet your heart’s pumping piss for me
And did I mention it’s Spring?
__
We are born at a given moment in a given place, and like vintage wine, we have the
qualities of the year and of the season in which we were born. C.G. Jung
Spring 2017
