Blood and Cold Water

Freeverse

They were swilling blood from the road

into the gutter,

policemen with buckets

of cold water.

And all I could think of was you

and how you had left me.

It was not your blood but someone else's

that the curious had crowded to see.

You were walking, talking, laughing

elsewhere in this city

and I know I might see you someday,

which would be a pity.

I found myself wishing and hoping

this blood had been part of you.

Your going would shock me, of course,

but such shock would soon pass through.

They were swilling blood from the road

into the gutter

and had it been your blood and you dead

such thoughts would not matter.

(25 Apr 2023)

(written 1970s, then lost, then recalled and reconstructed)

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

So glad of this reconstruction, that is quite a feat! A much enjoyed poem.

[Andrew John]

Thank you, RBK.