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