Chris Hardy
Saline
I’ve been getting pain in my eyes.
It began in Epirus.
I go to the chemist
Hoping for an instant solution
But he says this pain requires
The attention of a specialist
Thus informing me
And all the others
In his pharmacy
That I have
A tumour of the optic nerve,
Glaucoma or at least
A detached retina.
Thank you
Mr Patel.
In the optician’s I kill time
Reading Elle,
Noting that none of the unclad
Wear spectacles.
The receptionist behind her desk
And I await
A verdict of death or braille
But after the test
I am given a flask of tears.
We all smile.
Page(s) 18
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