On the Surface

The policeman didn’t ask my age
or question experience
the tone of voice remained unaltered
was of summer barbecue drinks
which is exactly what it was.
I was visiting the hinterland, staying with a friend
who invited some people and
the inevitable question …. “ what do you do”
YES
able to parade a little –“ just finished uni ”-
about to commence the career thing
and you?
“ I’m a cop ”
oh ..
topical – a big pay increase just awarded.

“Well, I have to say ….”
He didn’t interrupt, waited until I finished
then asked
did you notice the crossroads just out of town ?
“Yes,”
Three weeks ago … a horror crash there,
motorbike and 4WD,
two dead –
visceral
the ambulance took the survivors.
“ I helped load the dead, then
awoke the parents of a young man to tell them he was.
At first light I went back with bucket, water and soap,
to scrub away blood, flesh, fragments,
and
something I think that was once an eye.
Do you still think I’m paid too much?”