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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