The rules are (must not be broken)
Rob CullenJun 3 · 2 min read
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In the hospital wing
I follow signs to ACEU
two bays with welcome posters
on pale blue pastel walls
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Every second seat
with red and white crosses
a hand written note explains
social distancing rules apply
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Sitting on my own for a long time
I listen to nurses along the corridor
chattering in a distant office
I wait for my name to be called
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An older woman is brought in
brushing past her feet touch mine
she apologises with a smile
pushed on a wheelchair and left
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The nurses chatter becomes a drone
a distant low level thrum without end
a door closes and opens now and then
I read the posters over and over again
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I wonder when they will miss us?
or when we will be missed?
Remembering my father saying once
rules are the words that bound us
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my training said observe the behaviour
pay less attention to words, words are easy.
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©robcullen25052021.
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