Next

Back
 

Knocking Off

We leave our factory
by the blackened staircase,
emerge like divers
from the electric gloom.

The streets and houses
throw longer shadows.
Our footsteps mimic
the myriad previous treads
of forgotten days.

Our broken army beat,
no rifle slung
nor bugle lipped,
no fine array of military
precision.

But hum and throb of power
within our fingers
the million trained decisions
at our backs.
 

The Meeting

"Such is life," said the undertaker,
To a visiting tart,
"People come, people go,
Don't let it break your heart."

In the eerie light of the antechamber
He lifted off her dress,
Quoting funeral parlour prices
And the package deal for less.

Then he laid her on a slab
And softened her with balm,
Draped her in white linen cloths
And whispered her a psalm.

In an instant she felt love
With every gasp for breath
And he was overcome,
By a sudden fear of death.                                                                       

                    BIRTH

Like a wild animal, sinew torn from its hip,
I screech a bone bare cry to the wolves.
Surging,
The force of an earthquake
Shudders gridlocked gates.
I'm boiling blood.
My bird eyes focussed.
Plum full, plum ripe,
Sugar burns.
Deep guttural rumblings
Arched back, I rise on a warm liver flood,
Gushing flesh,
A cry not my own.
I banish the wolves.
My joy is complete.

                      Sarah Tully

Did you enjoy reading these?  You can tell us what you thought of them by clicking here:- Tell Us

If you do this and use our Reply Page, we are not able to contact you, unless you supply your e-mail address as part of your comments.  Ed.