WALKING IN THE DAYS OF THE VIRUS
(#19 Nannu at the kitchen table)
Dreamt I had just enough time
and just enough strength
to pull up my fallen boxers
before staggering across the hall
and crashing onto the quilt
Face down
heart on the accelerator pedal
Either it slowly lets up
or presses down harder
till the cliff edge (…)
WALKING IN THE DAYS OF THE VIRUS
(#7 To the 24-hour petrol station)
Take the rubbish out
go back in and wash hands
Check letterbox
go back in and wash hands
Crouch down to tie laces
go back in and wash hands
U ajma
żobb ta’ fakin Virus
qalla
You’ve probably got my lungs already
I will go out for this nightwalk
if it’s the penultimate thing I do (…)
WALKING IN THE DAYS OF THE VIRUS
(#6 Indoors)
Four hours to catch my breath
before abseiling out of bed
Heard the cheers and applause
halfway through
much louder this time
but couldn’t join in
not even from under the quilt
I clapped in my head
and gained a little more strength (…)
