Jim Burns
For a Friend who Worries
Joan, who knows where
the lightning strikes next?
There was an old people’s home
in lower Timbuktu, a sudden flash
that caught the TV aerial,
and they were burnt to a crisp.
And did you know that criminals
have found a way to trace
your credit card number,
and you go to the bank
and they say that you’re in debt.
Drinking red wine could be bad,
even if yesterday it was good,
and living near the sea
is likely to shorten your life.
Beef is dangerous and chicken worse.
Stroking cats picks up germs
that will upset your stomach,
and out on the street the car fumes
will seep into your system
and cause you to struggle for breath.
I heard today that some children
were ill after sipping Coca-Cola,
and tomorrow’s papers will say
that, one way or another,
there’s a good chance we’ll die.
Oh Joan, take care, stay home
and keep your windows shut
in case some strange air filters in.
Drink only water and eat dry bread,
but then, perhaps the water
could easily be contaminated.
And there is worse to come.
The night sky you like to see
above the fields behind your house
looks distinctly dangerous.
Page(s) 18
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