Feeling for a Pulse

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FEELING FOR A PULSE


So you’ve stumbled into a body

and don’t know what to do. Us too. 


There's no staggering off

to alert the authorities: it's just you

here, for better and worse, both

ambulance and hearse. And as no one

will tell you what or why,

give yourself a good cry and then

try toeing it firmly in the ribs. 


If it stands up and begins 

folding the laundry mounded 

on the corner chair, re-lacing 

an old pair of work boots

like there's plenty of work ahead,

you can rest at ease that you're

dealing with the deceased. 


The dead are those who know

there’s always more dying to do,

and no time like now


to do it. Best wipe your brow

and pitch in. No saving this one. 

It's gone, and bent on going again.

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