he sawtried to close his eyes

but she sawsaw him looking her head on

accelerated comanot a comma slightpause hurled present  lightspeed

holding her handtryin like a motherfucker to be tangible   transmitted   Awbaby

                                                                                        shed been mutehadnt spoke in months hearing failed caged in  more than a week

she transmitted What’s a girl got to do to die. I’ve done everything I can do.

                                                                                I can’t seem to get it right.

he received

tears swelled in his eyes lightspeedburst into tears

                                                        How fuckin unsatisfactory

he was done manningup

he was too fragile

losing it

Stop.    Please.

                   Not on you Da not on you.  Some souls arent ready to let me go.

That’s how you help.

Convince them.

Me.  Here.  Is not loving me.

transmitted though she was a blurvertical slash of appealing colour against white linen

                                                                                              Let her go

She wants to go

I want to go.

 

the house was beginning to wake

his daughter when she finished her shower would relieve him

as the kids peeked around the corner their mother closed her eyes

he didnt tell them she had emerged

she closed her eyes because seeing themknowing she wouldntcouldnt be there for them very soon she didnt want them to see that in her eyes

a look that will remain indeliblyetched

                                          would haunt them no fault of their own

they came in gently kissed her hands  left to have breakfast

hed walk them to school  relieved of his shift

                                                  then nap

 

the kids finished breakfast were getting dressed

his daughter came into the room

Shes conscious

I know. I hear her loud and clear.

                                       approaching her bed she opened her eyes

I heard you, love.

she carefully put her arms around her avoiding the tubes the hoses the machined artifice of alive  held her   kissed her temples her forehead

                                           couldnt kiss her mouth for the ventilator mask

had they kissed her enough

 

enough would never have been enough

 

the kids came out

she closed her eyes again

again the kids kissed her hands

as he went to follow them out he said to his daughter

                                                          We have to help her  Help her

Yes.   I understand.

 

 

What’s a girl got to do to die.

143preferred,  Thursday,  26  3. 26

0728,  reggaefriday,  27  3. 26