The mechanisms do not work. There is no expedient release. No greased wheel. (Or; ‘Pardon Denied Again’, Robert Pete). Real time running slow – with explosions – off & internal. Gutshot – the worst wound (Or; not). The waiting room minutes pass so slow. No second guessing / no dead reckoning. Low wages (Or; the wages so low – Sam Charters – the procedure so painful / last so long). Blessed here, especially, in case of plague. The pain I (can) gauge and calibrate. Caged mayhem – possible paralysis. The prognosis so vague.
Stephen C. Middleton is a writer working in London. He has had five books published, and been in several anthologies. He was editor of Ostinato, a magazine of jazz and jazz related poetry. He has been in magazines worldwide, including in the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, & mainland Europe.