Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry

The mathematics of infinity

He had run around a lot when he was younger,
had been pretty good athlete
and footballer
later the cool uncle –
the popular one, who always seemed younger
bought us ice creams and decent presents.
When we were adolescent 
it was his opinions we valued
and approval we wanted.
He always made time, and always brought enthusiasm.

The first law of thermodynamics

Energy and matter cannot be created, nor destroyed,
only transformed.

The mathematics of infirmity

Slow subtraction of strength
relentless addition of atrophy
constant division of self
to end in multiplication of assistance
of shuffling corridors
pureed food
call buttons
assisted showering, bedpans
and square root of what once was.

15 years ago at least,
maybe 17 or 18.
I recalled her names
but they were a combination that could be either
surname first, or second
or
Christain second, or first.
I didn’t want to mistake the order,
so used neither.
Probably it didn’t matter,
she was surprised I even remembered –
remembered a 3 week placement almost 20 years before.

She approached me in the shopping mall.
In her mid or late 30’s now
had worked the world – Melbourne, London, Brussels, New York –
chef in some top line restaurants.
She said she remembered me
because, “ during my training you were the only place
I got to do real cooking
and didn’t have to work as an unpaid kitchen hand
or dishwasher.”

Being young and abroad
out of sight of neighbour’s eyes and judgement
and handrails of good sense
behavioural drift
even for those of high pedigree
and achievement.
Karen, young and attractive …. tall and distinctive –
made the most of her OE
got involved in some silly things
alcohol …. and its buddies.
Some, just bad timing …wrong place and wrong crowd
and others ….
While not a naughty girl
was considerably less than good ….
men and the rest …. sowing her wild oats
but
what’s good for the gander …. is good for the goose.

Another century, another island,
a property auction…
middle-class people making,
middle sized bids for middle status homes.
The tall distinctive woman told me I was mistaken
not a denial as no name was used, only
“……I think I know you.”
Thought better didn’t want to create discomfort, or lies
–    “ sorry, you must look like someone I once knew..”
For the rest of the auction she maintained back turned avoidance
and made no eye contact on leaving.