Much of life’s significance
has already been encountered – in rehearsal
exchanging vows
leaders debates
career interviews.
Practise prepares and desensitises.
No one is rehearsed for this.
Impact
severe injuries
helicopter
Critical Care.
Everywhere
electronic green
and beeping
soft and urgent
hushed
even extra time victory.
I asked the nurse
she said it was a question for the doctor
I tell her I’m middle aged
and have known disappointment
that it is my sister.
She turns away and then back
“ it’s not good.”
Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry 