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"Intensive Care"
My father, floating like a shattered barge
on a morphine ocean, pipes
flowing from his nose like a conduit, more
machine than man, his breathing
like the thud of a bilge pump.
I imagine you overflowing like a sink plugged.
Two tablespoons of salt, mother always said.
Apply boiling water to the drain.
Wait five minutes... Repeat.
If it doesn't work, try a plunger.
Place it over the nose and mouth,
force water into the lungs
then draw it out.
In the womb we breathed water, father,
and pissed air.
Suck in your gut, boy!
Look sharp!
It's a world out there!
Don't wear a tie!
If all else fails,
belly laugh!
Now, go tell your mother you love her.
"He loves you, mom..."
Good boy.
YOU ARE READING
An Alchemy of Words
PoetryA collection of my poems, both old and new. Notable Rankings: 1 in #poetsofwattpad (2021-06-01) 1 in #poetryclub (2021-06-01) 1 in #poetrycommunity (2021-06-18) 1 in #slampoetry (2022-04-13) 1 in #wattpadpoets (2022-04-13) 1 in #wattpadpoet (2022-04...
