June #1

Muscle and Bone Subside

Here. Let me help you.

I struggle to lift the chair.

We move side table too.

Now you can swing

where once you would swivel.

Now it’s only your eyes turning

to watch the birds, the seasons

the garden tossing or still

its feet unmoving. You miss

the dancing.

You sink and settle. The chair

cuddles you; its many cushions

enclose muscle and bone.

Desire, too, subsides.

And faith in a better future.

There are many you scorn

who sink to a lower level –

The men. The budget makers.

The wealthy liars and cheats.

Whilst you might have become

less active, I wouldn’t call

your disgust with the TV news

less violent, your heart quiet.

In fact, despite the chair’s

security, I see you believe

we are all cast down, falling

headlong.

— Jennie Fraine